Christmas UnwrappedSample

Coping with Change During Christmas

Scripture: Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Change is a constant companion in our journey through life, and it doesn't pause for the holiday season. For many, Christmas is a poignant reminder of what has altered our lives: the empty chairs at the dinner table, the traditions that can no longer be shared with certain loved ones, or the distances that separate us from those we care about in our lives. Yet, in the midst of change, Christmas remains a beacon of hope, reminding us that there is the seed of a new beginning in every ending.

The prophet Isaiah spoke of God doing something new, making a way in the wilderness. During times of change, it can feel like we are in a wilderness, searching for direction and comfort. But the message of Christmas is one of light piercing through the darkness, of God making a way where there seems to be no way. It's a message that can guide us as we navigate the changes in our lives.

Honoring those who are no longer with us can be a profound way to cope with grief during the holidays. It's important to acknowledge the pain and the void that their absence leaves. Yet, we can also find ways to celebrate their lives and the impact they had on us. This could be as simple as preparing their favorite dish, sharing stories of past Christmases spent together, or starting a charitable tradition in their memory.

Embracing new traditions is equally essential. Change, even when it's difficult, can be a catalyst for creating new memories and experiences. This doesn't mean we forget the past or those we miss; it means we find new ways to celebrate the love and joy that Christmas represents. It's volunteering at a local shelter, hosting a Christmas movie night, or caroling in your new neighborhood. These new traditions can become the streams in the wasteland, bringing life and joy where there was emptiness.

It's also crucial to lean into the support system around us. Sharing our struggles with God, family, and friends can help ease the burden of change. They can offer comfort, help us remember the good times, and create new memories. The holiday season is a time for togetherness, and there's strength in community.

Let's challenge ourselves to find the streams in our wastelands this Christmas. Let's look for the new things God is doing in our lives and embrace the changes with hope and courage. Let's remember that the baby born in Bethlehem was the herald of the most significant change the world has ever known, bringing salvation and eternal life.

As we reflect on the changes this year has brought, let's hold fast to the promise of Christmas. It's a promise that change can bring growth, that endings can lead to new beginnings, and that God is with us in every season of our lives, making a way.

Reflection Questions:

• How can you honor and remember loved ones no longer with you during the holidays?
• How can you embrace new traditions while still cherishing the old?

Challenge:

Create a new tradition or activity this Christmas that honors a change in your life, whether it's the loss of a loved one, a move to a new city, or any other significant transition.