When You Can Only Jingle Part of the Way

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.  Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Tis the season for a flurry of decorating, baking, attending parties, sending cards, and frantic shopping. The festive holiday season appears all fun and happy, right? But perhaps you may be carrying an empty ache as you walk among others, quiet and unseen. Maybe you are harboring private wounds that have you huddled in a corner, hugging your knees and catching your breath between jagged tears, just trying to hang on.

Sometimes, the merry season doesn’t seem so bright, and it almost feels offensive to be told, “Just be joyful.”

If you are among those who can only “jingle” part of the way this year . . . that’s okay. You are okay.

Our lives are forever intertwined with joy and grief. Seasons of grief become magnified when everyday stresses of life are coupled with holiday tasks and events. The pain of missing those we have lost becomes more acute. The distress of financial hardship is a bit stronger. The regret of fractured relationships is felt more deeply.  The fearful desperation of an unknown diagnosis is heightened. Amid moments of joy, the reality of our circumstances wields a sharp sting.

The holidays can be tough. Life is tough. And sometimes, we suffer from just plain ‘ol sheer exhaustion. (Can I get an ‘Amen’?)

When life is heavy, Jesus never asks us to minimize our pain or pretend our suffering doesn’t exist. Instead, He enters into the pain of His people and holds us tight in those moments when we don’t think we can make it.

We suffer, heal, rise, and fall again. (And again.) If you are navigating a difficult path during the holidays, you don’t need to feel governed by the expectations of others. Your Christmas “picture” does not have to mimic a framed holiday painting by Currier & Ives. Remember the true reason for the season and seek out blessings that hold you steady. It’s really okay if you are unable to “jingle all the way.”

Jesus doesn’t come to us because we have a matching set of holiday tableware, a spotless living room, or perfect Pinterest decor at Christmas. He comes to save those who are lost and to give hope to those who are in despair in this hurting world.

When we receive the welcomed hush of a Savior who breathes calm into our chaos, He replaces our striving with stillness. He speaks peace into the darkest, deepest depths of our hearts, regardless of how tangled our tinsel may be.

“Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, not a result of our hard work. It is something that is given and grown within us as we spend time with the Prince of Peace.” – Rachel Boulos

Take a look at your list and check it twice. Are you spending time with the One you are celebrating?

The magic of Christmas is not the hot cocoa, Christmas carols, or falling snow. It also isn’t measured by how many holiday tasks you perform. The magic of Christmas is a living Savior who encourages us to focus on what we have, trust Him for what we don’t know, and to use our unique gifts to serve Him and others.

This Christmas, release the expectations of what others think you “should” do. Let go of what you can’t do. Choose to do what you can.

Jesus will still be there, even if you can’t jingle at all.

Father God, we give you our heavy burdens today and ask for your peace and hope to fill our hearts and minds during the holiday season. We pray for your presence to be with us as we honor and celebrate You in our lives. Amen.