‘Tis the season to be surrounded by others! ‘Tis the season to be generous. ‘Tis the season for gift exchanges and fancy dinners. ‘Tis the season for magical lights and Christmas carols! ‘Tis the season to have full plates and full stomachs. ‘Tis the season to be jolly!
And, ’tis the season to be… well, tired. And overwhelmed. And stressed. And probably overstimulated. ‘Tis the season to meet end-of-the-year deadlines and measure up to the expectations we think others have for us. ‘Tis the season to have schedules that are just too full. And, even the season for emotions of heartache, grief, and anger to come to the surface of our hearts and minds.
Here’s the deal – I love being around friends and family that I don’t get to see often enough. I love the fun and creativity of the holiday decorations. And, I LOVE the dessert at all the parties and gatherings (if you think I am being dramatic about this part, just ask my husband!). Although I do love the holiday season, I am no stranger to those feelings of stress, exhaustion, and even grief. If you are anything like me, you are probably no stranger to these things either. In just a flip of a switch, it seems as though happiness can alter to sadness, fun in the kitchen can alter to deep grief, excitement can alter to anger, and so on.
In a season that can be both fun and stressful, life-giving and heart-breaking, so full, but yet can feel so empty, here’s my encouragement to you: Jesus loves you. That’s the encouragement? A simple three-word sentence? A statement that you’ve probably heard a million times? Yes. Absolutely. Let me actually say it again: Jesus loves you.
Here’s one reason why I think this simple encouragement is important during this season: the love Jesus has for you will not alter. In this season where emotions, feelings, schedules, and plans can be changed in just a snap of a finger, Jesus’ love for you is what will be constant. It does not change based on thoughts, feelings, or plans.
This entire season is actually centered around the never-changing, perfect love of Christ. It is because of his love for you that Jesus left his throne to come to earth as a baby. It is because of Jesus’ love for you that the King of Kings humbled himself to become a servant. It is because of Jesus’ love for you that Jesus endured emotions of sadness and grief, just as we do. It is because of Jesus’ love for you that he gave up everything so that we might experience this unalterable, perfect love.
‘Tis the season to _________ ….. you could fill in the blank with anything. But whatever you put into that sentence, it will most likely alter, maybe for the good or maybe for the bad. If you fill in that blank with “Tis the season to remember and experience Jesus’ perfect love,” be encouraged knowing that his love will be unalterable and constant. May you remember this simple truth: Jesus loves you.
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