By Brenda Groves
The Post Newspaper Contributing Writer
Christmas trees. They can bring thoughts of happiness and joy as they are a collection of memories and special treasures from past celebrations. Our Christmas tree is usually simply yet displayed with over 56 years of mementoes dangling from its limbs.
I can almost name where each ornament came from.
We have a set of “yearly” collectables that goes back to our son’s first Christmas in 1988.
A few of our decorations came from church functions over the years.
I remember the beautiful angels that my talented sister made for us. Others I got on sale and several I just thought were pretty or unique.
As I look at them now I can recall the ones that are missing as well. Like the year our son’s grade school class made some out of cornstarch and water. Without thinking, we stored the creative pieces in the attic and the following winter as I toted the box down into our living room, I soon discovered an infestation of tree roaches had taken up residency. Ugh!!
And the race was on!!
I ran after them and they chased after me!!
Talk about a true roach motel. They feasted like kings for 12 months! You would think that after all that starchy food they would have been a bit sluggish. Not so, Lol!
But not all the memories evoke laughter; some are bittersweet, like the very special ornaments that my husband’s mother hand made before she went home to be with the Lord more than 32 years ago.
On each one, she lovingly placed pearls and beads in beautiful patterns with vivid colors, hopefully to be enjoyed and shared for generations to come. She is still a part of our Christmas every year. A small photo of her hangs in the middle of these ornaments, and precious memories bring forth smiles.
You know, a few years back during the Christmas season, I had a conversation with an elderly gentleman in a supermarket. In the exchange of pleasantries I asked him if he had his tree up yet or had set out any Christmas decorations. He shook his head, “Nope. I don’t do that anymore. Since my wife and son passed away I just don’t see any reason for it.”
The sadness on his face reminded me that for many people this season of celebration can be painful and lonely or stressful and full of anxiety. Many are just in despair.
If that’s you, I want to encourage you now. It does not have to be that way this year.
You can decide on how you’re going to react to whatever you’re going through. We can be our own worst enemies much of the time.
Depression sees no hope (Hope is basically a positive imagination). I’ve experienced depression to a degree and it’s horrible! When we focus our attention on what we don’t have, who we’re missing, how we’ve failed or how someone else has failed us, there’s one common denominator in each case: Self.
You know, there were a few times when our son was young where we could not afford to buy him very much for Christmas (through my own selfish choices).
I remember being so upset with myself that I let it affect everyone around me.
Instead, I could have chosen to get over it and just count our blessings and focus on what we could provide for him.
Laughter, song, time together, making new traditions and teaching him to help others in need. Just visiting with the elderly, bringing them some cookies or a meal could have given each one of us a sense of purpose and turned a negative situation into a blessing for ourselves and others.
And a most certain guarantee is this: whatever you are facing this Christmas season, Jesus is the answer. There is NOTHING that you’re going through that Jesus has not already experienced AND conquered for you.
“A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” … “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” … “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him.” Isaiah 53:3-5
Maybe some of you are angry at God or bitter towards God in your hearts. You think He is the one causing the tribulation in your life.
“The thief (satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace, in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
By faith, ask Him for help, AND BELIEVE that He is helping you. Little or big. ASK!! I want to encourage you to start today. Seek Him with your whole heart.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:1
I want to encourage you to focus your attention on this wonderful Savior who died for you and is ALIVE now and wants to come live on the inside of you.
Emanuel: “God with us.” And because of Jesus He can now live IN us!!!
And if you have been born again and know Him, then Almighty God lives on the inside of you so if you are experiencing depression or shaken by circumstances just change the way you think. Get your mind off of you, or your circumstances. Go to His word. Trust Him to meet your needs.
I have the opportunity to get depressed just like everyone else. Not everything is perfect in my life. But I choose daily to focus my attention on Jesus who has given me new life in Him.
“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not (depend) on your own understanding.” Prov. 3:5 (Parenthesis mine.)
Go back to the word of God. His promises are a life giving, Holy Spirit filled with power and truth. Quit listening to what the world, your feelings or your circumstances are speaking to you.
Be obedient and listen to God. He knows you, loves you and has made provisions for you and your family.
Begin speaking life into your situations, speaking God’s promises. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
I have done this countless times and reaped the bountiful results of God’s peace, love, joy in the midst of some terrible situations.
You know when we are all tied up in ourselves, we make a very small package…. hiding under the tree.
Magnify God. That’s why the star goes on top of the tree.
The “Christ”mas tree.
Contact Brenda Groves at: bkgroves1996@yahoo.com
