It’s that time of year… The Holiday Season! Thanksgiving Day to Christmas to New Year’s Day is typically a time of decorating, celebrating, feasting, gifting, reuniting, caroling, dancing, and more. “Merry” and “Happy” sum up the season appropriately. For most people.

But for some, the holiday season is a sad season. It’s a natural time to reflect on days past and envision the days to come. But in so doing, there are many things that can leave one singing the holiday blues.

The empty chair reminds us of who’s not there.

Songs of the season bring a tear instead of cheer.

Your wish list is long but budget is all wrong.

The family’s favorite holiday dessert is good but different… no one can stir like grandma did.

The family photos prove that time has passed, the children have grown, things have changed.

New Year’s resolutions are covered by 12 months of dust and the dawn of another “exciting” new year is actually overshadowed by fear.

Even in church, as you listen to testimonies of how God brought another out, you silently wonder, “when will it be my turn to shout?”

What do you do when the loss of a loved one, a shattered dream, a financial hardship, a series of bad decisions, another failed diet, unrequited love, or all of the above weigh you down?

What do you do when you’re grateful, but not quite glad?

There is hope! But it’s not in a jingle bell or Christmas sale. You’ll find it in God’s Word:

Matthew 1:23 – “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Jeremiah 32:27 – “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”

Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Psalm 3:3 – “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”

Psalm 43:5 – “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

Psalm 121:1-2 – “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Psalm 146:5 – “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”

Romans 15:13 – “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.”

(English Standard Version, emphasis added)

As you embrace the hope found only in Jesus Christ the King, may He grant you unlimited strength, unsurpassed peace, unfailing compassion, and unspeakable joy during this season and beyond.

TaVon Morrison
© 2015

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to address extensive emotional or psychological challenges. For anyone experiencing emotional distress beyond temporary holiday blues, I urge you to consult a medical professional who can properly diagnose your symptoms and recommend treatment that may be necessary and beneficial beyond this article.