2:351 – Blue Christmas

#faithbites #faithjourney blue

We all get sad sometimes. There are up days and down days. Some, like me, go deeper than sadness and are in depression. There is no shame in being sad or being depressed, it is part of who we are. This can be challenging during normal times, during Christmas, it’s almost impossible.

Just like sadness is year round, so is God’s love. When you are blue around Christmas, know God is surrounding you in love.

Scripture

• When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. – Psalm 34:17-20
• The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. – Isaiah 9:2

Reflection

God keeps all promises and loves everyone. No matter how dark it is, Jesus is the light. Jesus was sent as a baby to be the light of the world. His light can pierce through the darkness of any depression and sadness.

Sometimes being around people help. My church offers a Blue Christmas service. This is where people who are having a rough time for whatever reason (loss, death, divorce, isolation) to know they aren’t alone. This is an example of God putting people in your life when you need it.

Know you are loved by God, by me, and others. God will help you.

Challenge

If you are blue, you are not alone. Reach out. Call me. Call a friend. Christmas is hard for many, know you are loved always.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the gift of your Son. Ww know that not everyone is joyous during this time. It is hard for many. Be with those who need to know they are loved and not alone. Help all of us to reach out to those in pain and offer our ears and our hearts. While Blue may symbolize sadness, it is also a beautiful color made by you. We love you and honor you in all seasons of emotions, of year, and life. In your name, Amen.