Make the Season Bright
December is the month of the year most associated with joy. This is especially true for children who have fine-tuned their Christmas wish lists all year long, waiting for the big night of gift-giving to arrive. It is also a happy time for adults. Parents enjoy their children’s excitement and get-togethers with family and friends will bring merriment to many. However, the month does not bring excitement for everyone; many will face increased bouts of depression during the holiday season. Some of this is self-inflicted and is brought about by overspending on gifts or overcommitment of time participating in various holiday events and gatherings. Still, serious depression occurs for several other reasons; it may be the first Christmas after the loss of a family member, schisms within the family may be brought to the surface, or it may simply be a reminder that one does not have the deep connections with others that seem amplified this time of year. In 2014, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) conducted a survey to determine the extent of depression during the holiday season. Upon reviewing the findings, NAMI medical director Ken Duckworth stated the following: “What the survey shows is a tremendous need for people to reach out and watch out for each other in keeping with the spirit of the season” (www.nami.org). Interestingly, Duckworth’s observation is exactly what God expects of His people both in December and the other eleven months of the year.
It is important for Christians to be on the watch for difficulties fellow Christians may experience. As Paul wrote to the Galatians, he instructed them on how to help when spiritual struggles arise. He wrote, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (6:2). While this command specifically related to a brother or sister who had fallen into sin, its general application is a bedrock principle in knowing how to help with any struggle being faced. Within a church, it is essential to have a strong “safety net” for all members. This can only happen when there is a closeness among brethren and a true desire to help. This is sometimes difficult to have with members who are reclusive and, at least on the surface, seemingly unwilling to have their burdens borne by another. Still, it is important to try. It is also virtually impossible if members are so busy living their own lives that they inadvertently fail to see the needs others have. One of the key facets of a strong church is the refusal to allow the needs of any member to “slip through the cracks.” Diligence must be the watchword!
Younger Christians can often be helpful in this regard. Taking time during the busy holiday season to show your love to older Christians is one of the best gifts that can be given. There is just something reinvigorating about youth. Younger Christians should also be on the watch for members of their own age group who may be struggling. Depression among young people has skyrocketed in recent years. It is important to make sure that no young Christian feels like he or she is on the outside looking in. Knowing that others care is essential in overcoming depressive feelings.
No matter one’s age, there is a host of ways to demonstrate love and care for others. Consider just a few:
- Plan a visit. This allows for more of a conversation than what occurs while passing in the church building lobby.
- Invite someone outside your circle of friends to join your circle of friends for a meal. Sometimes the one-on-one visits can be awkward. Making this a “group effort” can relieve some of the nervous tension.
- Show hospitality. While going out for a meal is nice, the warmth of one’s own home can often bring about richer relationships.
- Visit those who are limited due to health. The days grow long and weary when confined due to health reasons. A friendly face can bring light to a dark day.
- Make a gift for someone. While crass commercialism sometimes overshadows the time of giving, it does not negate the fact that everyone likes to receive a gift now and then.
- Let your children make a gift for someone. For those with children, this accomplishes two important things: Children learn how to give and the gift from a child will bring the joy of receiving to a new level.
There are numerous other ways to overtly demonstrate the spirit of caring. The key is taking the time!
Christians understand this time of the year is no different than any other. The spirit of concern and giving should permeate the lives of God’s people no matter the month. Still, it is a good time to “ramp up efforts” to lift those who struggle with the holidays as well as help to maintain the strength of the strong. It is also a good time to recommit having a spirit of giving because of what has been given. To this end, James wrote, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (1:17). Take time to demonstrate appreciation for this great gift by freely giving to others.
There is room in the kingdom of God, my brother,
For the small things that you can do;
Just a small, kindly deed that may cheer another
Is the work God has planned for you.
§ From the hymn, There is Room in the Kingdom
