Am I Content this Christmas Season?

Have you asked yourself, “Am I content this Christmas Season?” Christmas time is rarely perfect, that’s not the goal. Contentment is what we desire. So how do we get to a place of contentment during the Christmas Season?

Contentment is an emotional state of satisfaction that can be seen as a mental state drawn from being at ease in one’s situation, body and mind. Wiktionary

Depending on what season of life you are in, Christmas time can be either overwhelming, underwhelming, or downright depressing. I remember the years it was overwhelming. Our children still lived at home, grandparents came to stay for a week and our family who celebrated the holiday came with many children. Our house was bursting at the seams. But the last couple of years, our Christmas has been underwhelming. Relatives have passed on to heaven, Children have grown up, and yes, Covid changed things.

Life hits hard some years, but even so, we desire to get through the holiday season without ending in an emotional train wreck. But some years, it seems impossible because we have experienced a disastrous year and the loss seems too great.

So here we are at Christmas. How can we be content with the moments that are either too quiet, too busy or too sad?

The Bible answers this for us.

For I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NLT

During Christmastime, draw on Christ, who strengthens us.

Are you Grieving the loss of your husband, parent, child, close friend, or relative? That precious person won’t be at the celebration any longer. The year I lost my father, I remember not knowing how I would feel. So there was a dread of not knowing if I would suddenly be overcome with sadness. Part of me wanted to “pretend” dad was still alive but had other plans that year, and the other part of me wanted to honor him by remembering him throughout the day, but that made me afraid I would emotionally lose control. So, I woke before anyone else that morning and talked to Jesus about how I felt. Thankfully God’s promises are true, and He comforted me. “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 NLT

 

Do you have a broken relationship?  These are particularly tough during holidays. You’ve prayed and worked through the disappointment of this severed relationship. But during the holidays, when you usually celebrate together, the loss feels extremely painful. I have one such relationship. Last year, I woke up before everyone and quietly played some praise music. Leaning into Jesus, praising Jesus for who He is and what Christmas is about, helped. Before facing the guests, I got my heart and mind set on what’s most important, Jesus. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18 ESV

Financial hardships can also be challenging at Christmastime. Expectations are hard to meet when there’s no money to back them up. This year is particularly tough on many. You want this to be a joyful and exciting time for your children. How do you get through the disappointment of not having what you had hoped and envisioned under the tree? My heart grieves with you with the year’s financial hardships.  Remember though, that the Lord is our helper. In the past, He has surprised me with how others brought gifts to bless our children. The Bible reminds us: Be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So, we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV

Distance from loved ones causes loneliness. It’s hard when we no longer live close to our families. Many people’s livelihood or retirement took our loved ones across the country, and normally that’s fine because we are busy, but now that Christmastime is here, it’s lonely. We sadly feel the distance. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him. Psalms 145:18-20 ESV

So again, our contentment comes from holding on to the fact that Jesus is with us always. When we face loss, broken relationships, financial hardship, and distance, we hold on to the overarching truth:

For unto you is born this day a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-12 KJV

Yes, a savior. Christmastime is about a Savior. Hopefully, your savior. Spend time with your savior. Let Him soothe your heart at Christmastime. Decide to talk to Him instead of sitting in silence in your grief and disappointment. Remember, He is close to the brokenhearted. Accept this and be soothed by Him. You will be comforted.

Yes, it’s through Jesus who gives us strength as well as comfort. Jesus, the “reason for the season” is how we find contentment during Christmastime.

Merry Christmas. -Kim

If you have a prayer request. If you want me to pray with you about your Christmas time. I will. Fill the form out below or check out my Prayer Form. Please considering forwarding to anyone who you know is struggling with Christmas this year.

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