So Much To Do–Or Is There?
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As the Christmas holidays approach our thoughts turn to shopping and planning and singing and praying and cooking and wrapping and on and on. I feel the pinch already and it’s not even December yet. I’m also a bit ambivalent since it will be my first Christmas since Charles’ death, made extra difficult because it was his favorite holiday and he always decorated our house like Macy’s or Nordstrom.
On the other hand I have grandkids and now a great grandson to indulge and enjoy, as young people always bring laughter and excitement to the days leading up to Christmas and the day itself.
To help myself, I attended a seminar at church a few weeks ago on ‘surviving the holidays’ (after the death of a loved one). It was inspiring and practical and I left the meeting room feeling encouraged and even joyful. I realized that if I focus on the true meaning of Christmas–the birth of Christ–then I will be full of joy despite the circumstances.
Were it not for Jesus coming to earth and then dying and rising again to assure us of life everlasting, I could easily give in to sadness and disappointment. But if I focus on what matters most, then the lyrics of Helen Lemmel’s beautiful hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” (1922–public domain) will inspire me to remain peaceful and joyful.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”
May each one of us turn our eyes and hearts this season to the one who makes all things new and possible–even as we shop and decorate and enjoy family and friends.
Have a blessed Christmas, Karen. The first one alone is tough. I’m glad you have family and many little ones. Their joy is contagious, I think. HUGS from Texas. 🙂
Thanks, Kristi. Yes, the grandkids and my new great grandbaby add so much joy. May you have a blessed Christmas season too.
Enjoy the HOLYdays. Love to you and all your wonderful supporters. It is a JOY to know you Dear Karen and to see you coping and blossoming. Yes, our wee ones do keep us filled with fun and hope especially around the Christmas season and we are very blessed and grateful for that!.
Thank you, Kathleen, for all your love and support through the ups and downs and in-betweens of life.
A good reminder to all of us to keep our eyes on JESUS. I know your Christmas will be filled with joy and blessings. Knowing our loved ones are with Jesus makes such a difference. May the Peace that passes all understanding be with you throughout the Christmas season.
Thanks, Etta Mae. I am praying for your dear son and for your whole family.
I’ll be praying for you, as always.
You are so faithful, dear Janet. You are on my prayer list, as well. I hope to see you in person during the new year. Have a blessed Christmas.
Thanks, Karen. Same to you.
Dear Karen,
Thank you for this beautiful and TRUE spirit of Christmas. May you always feel loved, because you are!
Hugs, margaret
Thank you, Margaret. And may you feel the love of family and the Lord during this beautiful season, as well.
Beautifully said, Karen. The first “everything” is hard, and especially with this being Charles’ favorite holiday. But I love the hymn you quoted. Yes, as we focus on Jesus He will provide all we need to rejoice through this time, even through loss. Hugs!
Thank you, Carol. It is so comforting to hear from you since you know how it is for me.
Thanks, and bless your beautiful heart, dear Karen, for another wonderful writing. It’s enlightening – The earthly world dims when we look upon Jesus, our eternal peace and joy. And it’s a blessing to hear from you as a my role model and mentor every Monday. Have yourself a very Merry Christmas, just the way Charles wanted you to. God bless. Jing
Thank you, Jing. You are very kind.
A good word for all of us- to keep our eyes on Jesus during the days leading up to celebration of His birth. May you continue to feel love and joy from your family and from those of us who are praying for you during this Holy season. Hugs galore!
Thanks, Glenda. You and I have shared many Christmas seasons together and so your words are special to me. Love to you and your family.
The first one! That’s gotta be tough. My ex-wife and I tried once more to make a go of it and we failed. So I can relate to being alone again on Christmas.
I recently attended (but no longer do), and heard a message that changed my outlook on things. The pastor (fresh out of seminary) said that many dwell on the end times and the Holy Spirit to the point of neglecting what Bible is really about – Jesus Christ.
I thought to myself that this could be anything that I dwell on more than Christ. Like my troubles and solutions, my final separation from my ex and etc. The pastor said, “While those other things are important, we need to maintain focus on Christ.”
My own personal life is better now that no matter what, if I maintain my focus on Christ, I’ll be OK. So just like Mary, you and I have chosen the good thing.
May the Lord bless you and keep and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift His countenance toward you and give you peace.
(From memory do I hope that’s at least close. GBY Karen.)
Thank you, Jim. I appreciate all that you said and your kind blessing at the end.
Focusing on Jesus is helping me this Christmas season, too. I’m learning in Christ there’s always a positive answer to whatever I’m worried or grieved about, so I can keep smiling and enjoy this hope-filled holiday. I attended the DivorceCare version of surviving the holidays last year. It was so helpful.
Thank you, Columba. I totally agree with you that Jesus is always the answer–no matter what. I’m happy that you also benefited from the ‘surviving the holidays program. It made a real difference for me too.