When Catherine Campbell’s brother died on Christmas Eve, a black cloud of grief instantly blanketed her home. But in the struggle, she nevertheless found that Christmas joy can always be found in Jesus
Reminiscing with family and friends is a common Christmas pastime. Many conversations start with: “Do you remember the Christmas ‘such and such’ happened?” – and the room fills with laughter at the memory stirred.
As a child, I vividly remember seeing Dad returning from the market every Christmas Eve with the turkey. Then came the task of chopping off its head and feet and scooping out the innards, while plucked feathers flew around the kitchen as if they still had life. Pandemonium followed when my brother chased my sister and me around the house while pulling the claw-sinews, shouting that the turkey was coming to get us! Such fun.
But not all Christmas recollections are happy. Unfortunately, this season often magnifies the sad or difficult memories, especially as those in pain watch others enjoy what they themselves no longer have or could ever achieve. Suddenly Christmas has lost its shine. The magic has gone. And we are so taken up with the empty chair, or fear of January’s credit card bill, that hopelessness slips in where joy should be sitting. It’s a feeling I know.
The worst of times
Last Christmas Day I was wakened with the news that my precious brother had died during the night in Germany. At the same time, my sister was very ill here in Northern Ireland following a recent heart attack. A black cloud of grief instantly blanketed our home and our hearts. The presents remained unopened under the tree, and our Christmas greetings to family and friends were spoiled by the sad news we were compelled to share before we dashed off to the hospital to be with my sister.
Later that day we arrived home with hearts heavier than the turkey previously planned for our celebration dinner. I protested when my husband reached to switch on the Christmas tree lights, but his gentle response was simple yet profound: “Catherine, it’s Christmas.”
I knew exactly what he meant. For only Christmas can deliver hope when we think it cannot be found. Only Jesus can bring light into the places in our hearts that have been darkened by circumstances. We are reminded in the gospels that we have a hope that is inseparably linked to a name…the name of Jesus.
Hopelessness strangles life. It holds back the light, preventing us from seeing beyond where we are. There is no darker place to sit. Conversely, biblical hope brings life, as Christmas affirms that what God has said in his word always comes true. He can be trusted. And hope becomes the frame through which Christ’s love shines into our hearts. There is no brighter place to rest.
Light on the darkest day
Thirty years earlier, I had learned that whatever happens, Christmas can never lose its shine, because the light that Jesus gives always shines brighter than the darkest of days. And his light can never be extinguished. On that particular year, our firstborn child died, aged ten years old. I thought I would never celebrate Christmas again. But, in fact, the opposite is true. I have come to love Christmas, because it reminds me of all that is wonderful about God.
Christmas reminds me that “The Father has sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14 ESV), making it a season of eternal consequences, rather than a temporary fix to the winter blues. When we get hold of that truth, joy will grab us, and sit alongside us even if our Christmas experience is different this year.
Christmas reminds me that real, true, lasting joy is found in Jesus’ presence (Psalm 16:11), not in the ‘Happy Holiday’ feeling sold to us in advertising and Christmas movies.
Christmas reminds me that switching our focus from how to ‘do’ Christmas to ‘who’ Christmas is all about is key to experiencing a celebration that will shine, in the very best sense of the word.
After all, it’s God who is the gift-giver. Jesus is the joy-bringer. And the Spirit is the praise-enabler. So, let’s not hold back. Chose joy by celebrating this Christmas. Feast your eyes on Jesus – God’s greatest treasure and most willing gift to humanity. For when you see him you will respond like the angels, shepherds and wise men – in adoration and worship.
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