A Message To Those Struggling

     ‘Tis the season when all are jolly, or is it?   Fairy tale says Santa is coming to town.   However, many feel anything but jolly and that Santa, definitely, is not coming via their chimney or any other entrance to their domain.   Down on luck and life in general, sadness fills their mantle stockings.

     So, are downtrodden human beings anomalies to the Christmas season or central characters in the original Christmas story.   I debate the latter.

     I write this post not for the season’s ho, ho, ho spirited readers but from my soul to those whose hearts are crying woe, woe, woe.  Journey back with me to the beginning.   Christmas did not originate with a fast flying sleigh, a stuffed-full bag or a magical Santa.   It arrived by way of a slow moving donkey, an empty manger, and God’s miraculous infant birth.  

     The story of Christmas often centers on Jesus being born, the shepherds and the wise men.   Little, if any, focus is placed on Joseph and Mary.   Maybe, herein lies a message so needed for 21^st Century struggling human beings.  

   Joseph – Have you ever wondered what he thought and felt that first Christmas season?   From the heavenly aspect, he knew the honor given him when chosen to be the Christ Child’s earthly father.   None the less, what about his human, manly, feelings?   The best he could give the Divine Son entrusted him was a stable shared with lowly animals.   His child’s Godly hands would feed multitudes, but Joseph’s human hands could only rest his heavenly King in a food trough for the livestock.   Not even that much could Joseph offer his wife.   Straw upon the mud floor was all he could provide.   Maybe, Joseph even hung his head and despaired over trudging his wife and Son across the barren land just so they could be counted; and he doubted, if they, his loved ones, could count on him.

     Mary —  Most likely, she was jubilant God’s son was born from her, yet also, bearing fear and guilt for all Joseph was enduring.   Though God’s chosen one to parent His Son, was she afraid she had, or would, fail her earthly family?   Did she struggle with the gossip surrounding her carrying this Child?   Was she doubting she could be the mother her Son of God would need?

     Both Joseph and Mary, being human, probably felt alone and very much afraid.   Did they struggle  over being so far away from home and family?   It was a silent night, when maybe they longed for the harmony of encouraging voices singing strains of love and reassurance.   Sound familiar???

     To any, and all, in anguish this Holyday season, please, open your minds, hearts and souls to this often overlooked proof of each and every one of our worth, purpose and belonging to God’s family.   God would never have entrusted His Son to anyone but the best of human parents.   God could have made Joseph and Mary perfect.   He chose not to.   Instead, God guided them through each shortcoming, tribulation and perceived failure they experienced.  If God did not expect, or demand, Joseph and Mary to be perfect, neither does He hold us to this impossible standard.   What God does do is stand with Joseph, Mary and each of us in every dark moment we encounter – even if the darkness is the result of our own doing.   Humans might desert.   God does not.   In our greatest loneliness, we are not alone.   God stands behind us with His hands bracing us.   God, also, stands before us.   His arms are open wide, ready to embrace us if only we choose to fall into them. 

     To any, and all, who hurt this Holyday season, I share one additional truth.   While Santa can’t bring you what you want, God will give you what you need – inner peace, self-esteem, forgiveness if necessary, and hope. 

     Now, to all my spirited ho, ho, ho readers, I mean my words when I proclaim I’m not the leader.   We all stand side by side on our UPLIFTED IN A BROKEN DOWN WORLD journey.   Thus, in fellowship we have a challenge to achieve.   We are surrounded by family, friends and even strangers who need to know someone (or maybe just anyone) cares and prays for them.   Every one of us can be that someone.   A kind word, an understanding nod, an encouraging hug, a silent plea to God on their behalf – all have the power to help penetrate another’s darkness.

     May we all remember that just as God, centuries ago, placed the first Christmas star to light a pitch black world, His light still stands.  No matter our joy or despair, the gift of God’s light and love is ours to accept.  

     God bless, guard and guide us all.