Greetings,
As I was perusing through Facebook and reading some of the comments, I heard a recurring echo that many were not feeling Christmas this year. For some it was because of the loss of a loved one and the holidays have taken on some new complexities. Other voiced that they couldn’t put their finger on it, but they just weren’t “feeling it.” Even myself in the past few years have had to push myself through the Christmas holiday season.
At one point in my journey, and to a vast extent now, Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. It is as much about being with family and friends as it is about the birth of Jesus. I believe that embedded in being with family and friends is the birth of Jesus because of love. In recent years, our family dynamic has changed. We have lost family members who have made their transitions. There are those who have elected not to participate for whatever reason. It doesn’t stop Christmas from being memorable.
Christmas was the highlight of my year. I anticipated it as much as I did when I was young child. Even when I lived away, not coming home for Christmas was never an option. I anticipated celebrating every day with family and friends that kicked off on Christmas Eve and culminated on New Year’s Day.
Things change. Sometimes I find myself longing for those days of old. This year, I made a conscious decision to just enjoy the holidays. It is too important in our lives. With so much happening and many still reeling from such a contemptuous presidential campaign and even post-campaign events that ignites uncertainty, I can’t help but believe what is happening in our society is also playing a role in how we feel this holiday season.
There comes a time when the true meaning of Christmas must take paramount over feelings and outside circumstances. I realized years ago, it was beyond feelings, gift giving or decorations. It was rooted in living out the greatest two commandments to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
God loved us so much that He sent His only Son that we would not only have eternal life, but experience an abundant life here on earth. It exemplifies his unconditional love for us. I believe with all my heart, we must move beyond the feelings, woes and even the loses and embrace love.
Love for family. Love for friends. Love for neighbors. Just love for everyone regardless if they are like us or not or espouse to our philosophies or beliefs. We truly need to just love.
With love comes joy, peace, faith, happiness and the sheer ability to look beyond everything else and enjoy the Christmas season. Join me in making love the guiding force that propels you through this joyous season of celebration.
Have a Merry Awesomely Blessed Christmas!
Jacqui Showers
The Bold Encourager
Business Encouragement Coach
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