Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Evangelical
Home and Religion
Christmas Joy and Challenges: A Time for Reflection

Christmas Joy and Challenges: A Time for Reflection

Last updated on: December 20, 2024 at 9:20 am by Teresa Nichols

0 Comments

Christmas Joy and Challenges: A Time for Reflection 2024-12-20T09:20:04-05:00 Teresa Nichols

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Christmas Decor with a coffee mug that says "Jesus is the Reason for the Season"

This is one of my favorite Christmas mugs! I love Christmas decor, and traditions too, but I always want to be mindful of the true meaning of Christmas ~ JESUS! | Image by author.

Those of you who know me personally, know that one thing is true: “This Girl Loves Christmas!” Almost everything about it is something I look forward to, with an eager heart. From decorating to shopping, wrapping and preparing to be with family and friends, “I Am All In!” You can be assured that my mind is set and determined to make it the best it can be for everyone I know and love. No matter how tired I get, or how anxious I become trying to get it all done, I still love it!

Traditions have been created and honored, and I hope some will remain long after I am gone. My heart is full of hope for keeping the Christmas magic shining bright throughout the generations, particularly in the memories of all that I hold dear! But, honestly, it’s so much more than the lights, presents, trees, and decor; and it’s why I write this column. I’ll share more later! But first…

I Know Christmas Isn’t Always Full of Cheer for Everyone~

Now, with all that said, I do want to acknowledge the fact that Christmas isn’t always easy for many people, for varied reasons. Perhaps the highest on the list might be the fact that they are missing loved ones who are no longer here to celebrate. I can relate, I assure you! So many people I love are no longer here to join us this Christmas, and it does sadden my heart. It’s also true that losing a loved one near the holiday makes it all the more difficult, and those memories are often harder to deal with.

Speaking from experience, I can tell you that my Dad passed away on December 19, 2018, after a hard battle with cancer, and those memories come creeping in uninvited at the weirdest of times. I miss him, and wish I could have another Christmas with him! These types of memories are sometimes hard to push aside, and can give us reasons to dread and dislike the season all together if we allow ourselves to focus on the pain. I think my Daddy would want me to enjoy the holiday with my children, family and friends, so it makes it a little easier. Knowing he is in Heaven, makes it easier too!

My heart goes out to all those who are grieving; and especially to those who just lost loved ones recently. I pray for God’s comfort, and my hope is that every single one of you can find a little joy through the holiday.

Perhaps Focusing on the Real Reason for the Season Will Help?

No matter the circumstances we face, let’s be intentional and mindful of the real reason for this wonderful season of celebration. It is not about us… This is a celebration in honor of a King! A King who came to Earth, as a baby in a manger, who also knew that He would one day suffer a horrible death upon the cross of Calvary.

My heart overflows with gratitude, and I find it vitally important to share a few facts about this King:

This King Willingly Chose to Come!l He loved us so much that He left His Heavenly Home, in order to make a way, where there was no way! He surrendered His life to cover the penalty for our sins!

It’s all still truly amazing to me, even after decades of knowing Him! And I find myself wondering:

“How About You? Do You Know this King We Celebrate?”

I think that many of us assume that everyone knows the name of this King, but sadly, I am beginning to think this isn’t necessarily true in the world we live in today. Then I think that it is entirely possible that those of us who do know and love Him, take for granted the heritage we have been given that introduced us to Him at times. Would you agree? Or maybe, we forget the opportunities that were given to us that led us to Jesus and assume everyone is afforded those same chances. But what if that’s just not true?

This is the reason I write this column. In sheer hopes of reaching someone, anyone, with the truth before it’s too late! I can’t speak for you, but I can see how truly blessed I am, and how blessed my family is to know this King and I want to share Him with the world!

This King I’m Speaking of is Jesus Christ ~

Jesus is the one and only Son of God! The Bible tells us exactly who He is in John 14:6 (NIV) ~ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

It also says: “… but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings…” Revelation 17:14 (NIV)

This sums up the real reason for the Christmas season! We celebrate the birth of Jesus, which eventually led to His death. This, and this alone, opened the doors of opportunity for us to be forgiven, and freed from our sins. THAT’S SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE AND SHARE WITH ALL WHO WILL LISTEN!

As Believers, We are His Disciples ~

As a believer and follower of Christ, I am on a mission to share the Gospel of Jesus! This Christmas I pray that you, and I, will open our eyes to see and our hearts to tell someone about Jesus! Let’s be bold! Let’s live with thoughts of Salvation in the forefront of our minds! Then let’s shout it out into a world that is hurting and needs the hope only Jesus can give!

From my family to yours, we wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Family picture celebrating together

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! We are so Blessed with a growing family! I love them more than words can say! (not everyone is in the photo) ~ Photo courtesy of the author.

Photo of a grandma holding her new grandbaby, getting ready for Christmas season, in front of the tree.

This beautiful baby girl joined our family this year, and forever changed my world! I’m so grateful to be her “Gammy” or “Grandma” or anything she decides to call me, as long as she calls me! We are all blessed to be her family! She lights up our world with her sweet smiles! ~ Photo courtesy of the author!

Nanny posing with her grands to wish you a Merry Christmas!

These two captured my heart long ago! I love being their Nanny, and honestly wish time would slow down! They are growing up way too fast! ~ Photo courtesy of the author!

Merry Christmas! Thank you so very much for supporting me and reading my column! Please pray for me to live more like Jesus, and continue to grow and learn, as I endeavor to “Go and Tell the World about Jesus!”

Faith, Family, Career and Purpose, Part One of the Uniquely Constructed Series.

Mark 16:15 (NIV) ~ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

* Please Note: If you like this article please leave me a note in the comments below. I would love to hear your holiday thoughts!

General Christian

Family, Parenting and Religion

Celebrating King Jesus

About Teresa Holbrooks Nichols

My heart is full of hope for keeping the Christmas magic shining bright throughout the generations, and particularly in the memories of all that I hold dear! But, honestly, it's so much more than the lights, presents, trees, and decor; and it's why I write this column. As a believer and follower of Christ, I am on a mission to share the Gospel of Jesus! This Christmas I pray that you, and I, will open our eyes to see and our hearts to tell someone about Jesus! Let's be bold! Let's live with thoughts of Salvation ever present in our minds, and take it out into a world that is hurting and needs the hope only Jesus can give! You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post

November 8, 2024

Finding Hope Amid Disaster: When the World Weighs Heavy

Next Post

February 12, 2025 Spiritual Warfare: How the Enemy Uses Division Against Us

True or False: James says that if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is blessed in what he does.

Select your answer to see how you score.

FALSE TRUE