Some of Us

Next week brings the day of Christmas.

Last week I ended my post by saying, “Merry Christmas, friends.” As though everyone is celebrating. As though it is that simple. But it is never that simple because we are humans in a broken and beautiful world.

Some of us are beyond excited to unwrap a present that we’ve been hoping and asking for.

Some of us won’t get what we asked for and will have to manage our disappointment.

Some of us can’t give what was asked of us, because we lack the resources, and must endure the disappointment of others.

Some of us are genuinely saddened and angered by the materialism we see around us.

Some of us are grateful to spend time with family.

Some of us are disappointed because we cannot be with our family.

Some of us are angry with our family.

Some of us have no family.

Some of us have no hope for tomorrow.

Some of us cannot understand having no hope for tomorrow.

Some of us are in physical pain.

Some of us are grateful to be spending one last moment with a loved one before they leave us.

Some of us are aching for one more moment with a loved one who left us.

Some of us cannot set aside the stress of car repairs, lost jobs, or foreclosure.

Some of us are so excited we can’t sleep.

Some of us will cry ourselves to sleep.

Some of us are celebrating a new life.

Some of us are grieving for a life that will never be.

Some of us are rejoicing.

Some of us are mourning.

Most of us are some blend of both.

But wherever you are when Christmas comes, Christmas is for you. Jesus, the gift we celebrate next week, once said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” The arrival of the Savior of the world in the form of a human baby was messy, painful, difficult, complicated. The life of Jesus was not simple. It was sad, and hopeful, and weary, and joyful. It was a promise of comfort and joy. He is making all things new, and His Kingdom will reign forever. But right now, next week, not all is yet new.

I pray that you feel the hope of Christmas next week, my friends, wherever it finds you.