Question: Why do we feel depressed during holidays that should be happy times?
Answer: Many people suffer greatly from feelings of hopelessness and loneliness, especially during the holidays. They grieve for loved ones who have died, experience sadness for friends who are suffering in some way, long for happier times enjoyed in the past, or are exhausted from more-hectic-than-usual schedules of shopping and activities. Financial challenges are also a huge issue, as people try to balance their household budgets with their desires to bless others with generous gifts.
During celebrations, it can be difficult to narrow our focus away from materialism (idolatry!) to what really matters for eternity – our relationship with our Savior, Jesus. In December, we can get so busy preparing for dinners and parties and shopping for presents that we forget what the Christmas season of celebration is really about – the birth of our Lord. God knew that the people He created would never be satisfied with only the material possessions and pleasures of this world; He designed us to be fulfilled only when we are in a relationship with Him. So, when we are not having regular communication with Him, we don’t realize we’re out of balance until we begin to feel the effects of our distancing from Him, the loneliness and hopelessness. Have you heard the expression, if you are feeling far from God, guess who moved? Certainly, it was not God!
What we need is not more PRESENTS but HIS PRESENCE!
If you are feeling sad, practice this: Stop thinking of Christmas and think of CHRIST. Jesus came into the world to give you life and allow you to experience it more completely than ever before. That should make us very, very happy!
“I am the door; if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved…I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:9-10
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11
“…I speak God’s truths to the world, and I now come so that you will have My joy fulfilled in you.” John 17:13
Jesus clearly explained that the peace He gives you is not like the temporary peace that people and possessions can offer, but it is a deep knowing that He is with you at all times, and your future is safe and secure with Him. This is available only when you take attention away from worldly pastimes and spend time reading His Word, the Bible, and talking with Him. It’s important to gather with others and learn about Him as you study His scriptures. By now, you must have learned that there is NO peace or lasting happiness apart from Jesus!
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Do you long to be in a relationship with Jesus Christ and experience the peace that ONLY He can give you? Then, it’s time to talk with Him.
Pray or say this:
Dear Jesus, I am sorry that I have waited so long to tell you I am sorry for my past choices. I need you to come into my life. Thank you for loving me so much that you died on a cross to take the terrible punishment and pay the ultimate penalty for the wrongs I have committed during my life. I want to trust you and follow you all the days of my life, from this moment forward. I know you rose from the dead and are preparing a place for me to join you in heaven when I die. Thank you! I will join others in learning more about how to have a relationship with you and will talk with you daily to seek your guidance. Please help me to understand your plan for my life, one day at a time. Thank you for lovingly adopting me into your eternal family! Amen!
No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace. –Anonymous.
