It's probably because I'm getting old, but I know more people than ever for whom this Christmas won't be particularly merry. Or maybe... won't be merry at all.
Indeed, this has been a difficult year for our family too. Jackie and I both buried our dads. COVID-19 hasn't affected us too much directly, but like all of you the whole year has felt fogged-in. There are other complicating factors that I won't bore you with, but like many of you, this Christmas just doesn't feel as happy as most.
So what do we do?
I'd like to humbly, graciously, and gently suggest five things you can do to make the most of a difficult Christmas.
First, get active. Start doing something physical. Walk. Jog. Swim. Go to the gym. Even 10-15 minutes a day will be a good start at changing your disposition. A word of caution from a guy who has been there, don't try for an hour. 10 minutes every day will do far more good than 60 minutes every 5-10 days.
Second, check your nutrition. Again, unless the Holy Spirit is telling you otherwise, don't go crazy here. You'll get discouraged and give up. Been there. Done that. Dozens of times. Just in general eat less processed food and more natural food.
Third, especially if you're already doing the first two things, get to a doctor and ask them to do a blood panel. There are health considerations that can dramatically affect your merriment.
Fourth, do something for someone else. The bigger the gesture the better! Be outrageously generous with your time, your words, and if you can... your money. Then do it again. And again. Very few things will help you release happiness in your own soul as much as change the happenings of someone else.
Fifth, and I saved the most powerful for last, pray. The promise of James 4:18 is profound, "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." My temptation is to leave out the second half of that verse, but honestly, the cliché 'Confession is good for the soul' has its' roots in scripture. So talk to Jesus. As my friend and mentor Chip Stam once told me, "Vent to Jesus." As you draw nearer and nearer to Him, He will feel nearer and nearer to you. His joy will become your strength. (Neh 8:10)
So if Christmas isn't merry, don't despair. The God of Hope, who took on skin and bone for us, stands ready to give you a new dose of hope. He might do it through exercise, eating, vitamins/medication, generosity, or prayer. And it may not come in a hurry. But it will come.
One more note: if none of that helps, reach out to me or to your pastor. We want to help.
So with all of the depth I can muster in these frail words, have a Merry Christmas.