The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

“Bringing the love of Jesus to others significantly impacts our lives, not just those we choose to serve.”

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 1, 2024

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Here we are in December, the month many call the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. While I love Christmas, I know many will not enter this season with cheer and glee. Although it’s not always readily discussed, this month tends to conjure feelings other than wonder and joy. 

For some, this is the first year without your loved one, and you dread the holiday. And, even if it isn’t the first Christmas, many experience melancholy as we enter this season, missing those who are no longer with us. If anyone hasn’t told you – this is all perfectly normal, and it’s okay to not be okay. You are not alone in this. If this happens to be you, I’d like to share some thoughts and ideas that have helped me along the way and have helped make the holiday a little bit brighter. 

Some families buy a small tree and decorate it with ornaments specific to the things their loved ones like. I will admit to doing this the first year Melanie ran ahead to Heaven. In fact, her unique tree stays up year-round. It is decorated with sunflowers, which were her favorite flowers, and many ornaments specific to her life, including childhood ones. 

Other thoughts include: 

• Fill up your loved one’s stocking with some of their favorite things.
• Purchase a gift they would love and give it away to someone. 
• Do an act of kindness in their memory.
• Share some of your favorite memories of them. This is often done with tears and laughter. It’s okay – joy and sorrow frequently go hand-in-hand when remembering our loved ones who are no longer with us.
• Switch it all up and make a new tradition. Go away on a trip instead of staying home. 

Although I’ve mentioned this in years past, I think it’s worth sharing again. Every Christmas since Melanie has been in Heaven, one thing I’ve found that brings me great comfort and joy is to serve others at a place that is meaningful to her. Giving to others in her memory and blessing them makes me feel as though I am doing something for her as well. Bringing the love of Jesus to others significantly impacts our lives, not just those we choose to serve. As Paul encouraged us in the Book of Acts, giving is better than receiving.

Whatever you decide, I encourage you to do what feels good during this time. Though we will always miss those who are no longer with us, we can still set our hearts on why we celebrate this holiday – the birth of our Savior, Jesus. 

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

Prayer

Father, thank you for the gift of the birth of your son, Jesus. I’m so grateful for the peace and comfort you provide to your children.

Application

Consider a person or organization you could bless this holiday season in memory of your loved one.

Related Reading

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Philippians 4:13; Matthew 5:4; Joshua 1:9

Worship Resource

Toby Mac/Tasha Layton: Christmas Hits Different

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