A Different Kind of Christmas
How do you feel about Christmas? Do you still feel that excitement that you did when you were a child?
As a child I loved Christmas. It was always a much anticipated, magical and joyful time. I always knew exactly what to expect going into the season, a house filled with family and friends, love, laughter, and lots of food cemented with family prayer and old stories of years gone by.
For a girl who likes stability and routine, the annual holiday tradition was great. However a few years ago I lost someone dear to me and my Christmases changed forever. Consequently when the Christmas season comes around I find myself sometimes instead of focusing on Christ who is the reason for the season, longing for someone who I will never see on earth again.
A few weeks ago sensing my sadness, a friend said to me, Bernadine everything may not be the way you want it to be this Christmas but, you have to choose to be happy. I confess I was just a tiny bit annoyed because it seemed easier to long for Christmases past than trying to capture the happiness that suddenly seemed elusive. However, when I thought about it I knew she was absolutely right.
Happiness is a choice.
We decide each day whether we’re going to be happy or sad, whether we’re going to waste time longing for the past or enjoying the gift of the present…
I made my choice… I choose to be happy.
I know just saying I choose to be happy seems overly simplistic but it’s a choice I’ve been making daily. Some days I fail but each day I try.
Some changes that take place in life don’t necessarily make life better however it doesn’t have to make it worse either. It just makes it different. So what do you do? You get use to a different kind of normal, or in my case a different kind of Christmas.
However, in spite of having a different kind of Christmas one thing remains the same…
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
I pray that His peace will be with each of you who may be experiencing a different kind of Christmas for the first time this year. May the wonder, laughter and joy that Christ brings fill your heart again.
Hi Precious,
I tried to leave a comment so I’ll try again…I’m praying for you as we all face a different kind of Christmas with loved ones we’ve had to let go of before our hearts desired.
Enjoy the celebration of our JESUS dear one and may His presence wrap around you and yours.
Merry Christmas!
P.S. To Iris, thank you for Laced with Grace and I pray a beautiful Christmas for you and your family too!
Thankyou.
Yes Happiness is a choice, I too can mourn the lack and loss of “Christmas past”
But Life Must go on! And misery can be catching :O(
But Happiness, cheeriness (in the face of adversity or trial or loss) is ever so more catching.
Thankyou for making me think.
You made me think enough to blog my own thoughts on a different Christmas.
Be Blessed with new reasons to shine this Christmas.
May your sorrows be lessened and your blessings increased.
Hugs, my sister in Christ!
Much love and many blessings to you.
Yes, Bernadine, I do agree with you. And, it takes great wisdom and strength to make the decision to be happy in the midst of pain and sorrow. Joy is deep and that is something that can never be taken from you. The joy of Love that came to earth.
Andie
Well-said Bernadine. it really does boil down to us making a decision. Blessings to you.
Wonderful Bernadine!!! As we know with God all things are possible,keep enjoying his peace and joy!!!
Love you and Merry Christmas.
Amen, Bernadine. I too make a daily choice to be happy. Most times I just need to be reminded that there is One person who loves me unconditionally; Jesus.
I pray that your Christmas will be filled with new memories, joy and peace.
Merry Christmas!
Bernadine, this is such a beautiful post. I’ve been struggling with choosing to be joyful during the Christmas season because it adds such a burden to my daily routine. But God knows my sacrifice to make sure that His birthday is special to my family, and He has given me several days of rest. He is so good!
Many people live in defeat because they believe that they can’t “choose” otherwise. I don’t know how you must be feeling to have lost someone so close, but I’m in awe of your decision to praise HIM anyway.
Blessings on your New year!