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Is Christmas a Time to Mourn?



I won’t let all this commercialism ruin my Christmas. – Charlie Brown


Oftentimes the sensationalism of Christmas culture leaves us feeling guilty as if everything red and green is the antithesis of Christ’s birth. Yet while materialistic accumulation and artificial happiness remain incapable of ever producing true joy, understand the excitement of Christmas is rightly the celebratory conclusion of our long year of work, and surprise, anticipation, and generosity are elements that have been part of the story all along.


  • Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them… The angel said, Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide…” (Luke 2:8,12)

  • “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! …they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)

  • “At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.” (Luke 2:13-14)

  • “All who heard the shepherds were impressed…. They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger…. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!” (Luke 2:19-20)


Christmas is the climax of humanity. In the light of unquestionably preserving the real meaning of Christmas in our hearts – which stands as completely astounding with or without snow – don't feel led to sit in ashes to avoid getting lost in commercialism. This is the rush of satisfaction; what we’ve waited for, and what the WORLD has anticipated. Everything you’ve worked for as an individual throughout the year inwardly and outwardly comes to life. You're finishing exams, hosting parties, performing on a stage, you’re wrapping and presenting gifts. Enjoy it all. December is the climax of the year – of life!


But what is Christmas for the grieving?


Christmas may seem like a waste of time, or perhaps a bad dream. Jingles and lights seem mockingly irreverent, even infuriating. To those who simply sense meaninglessness around holiday fanfare, don't feel guilty, as this can guard our hearts from greed. But if you are grieving, don't be hard on yourself, and try not to overanalyze the world. Yet when you see lights and hear music, it’s okay to pause and think, despite what I’m going through, the hope of heaven is coming and it is real and it is beyond a Christmas day gift.


Consider how Christ came right in the depth of brokenness: “Jesus was born ... during the reign of King Herod…” (Matthew 2:1). This was a period of violence. King Herod would soon kill a sea of newborns. “And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. ... He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.” (Luke 2:4-5). The requirement to register within each man’s ancestral town for the census probably felt rather untimely, as the requirement was set right as Mary was pregnant, and both parents already knew of their child's significance. Upon birth Jesus was homeless. “She … laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” (Luke 2:7). Notice the absence of extended family. No fireplace heat, no candle or hot meal. Quite unideal circumstances. Yet, He came. The greatest gift. The answer to all of our troubles and sorrows and sin.


Each year has its own filter from which we view the holiday season. Some Christmases we will grieve (and should properly grieve). If holiday excitement is not in you this year, let the season remind you that in the middle of winter you have unconditional hope.

  • “Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies— so the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us. A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time. Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4,14)

  • “That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.” (Romans 8:18)



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