It's the Most Wonderful/Depressing Time of the Year?

Like the famous song from Andy Williams says about the holiday season, “It's the most wonderful time of the year.” No doubt, Christmas time is special — what many consider to truly be the most wonderful time of each year. It is easy to see why: presents; time with family; elaborate Christmas light displays; great food. It is also the lack of these things, however, that people all over find it to be the most depressing time of the year. 

Christmas has a way of taking the good in our lives and amplifying it. For those in stable relationships, even new ones, the bond with the other person can feel much stronger. Families, too, can feel more connected and together. Life in general just seems a little more magical with gifts being exchanged back and forth by a tree decorated with a lifetime’s worth of meaningful ornaments. By the same token, when there is an absence of some or all these things in someone’s life, the feeling of loneliness can be overwhelming.

Those that may be feeling empty this holiday season can take solace in knowing that the very reason Christ was born was to give a fullness of life. Jesus says in John 10:10 that, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (NAS) Oftentimes, even as Christians we get so caught up in the goings on of the holiday season that we forget the One that Christmas is actually all about and the promises He made to us. When depression strikes, it can be even more difficult to put our focus on Jesus and remember to simply reach out to Him. 

The good news is, though, God promises us in His Word that He still remains by our side. Psalm 34:18, 19 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (NAS)

Not only can we rely on God but, as Christians, we should hold each other up during this special time of the year — especially those struggling with depression, loneliness and emptiness. 1 Thessalonians 5 14 -16 says, “We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. (ESV)

The great thing about that Christmas season is that it provides the perfect opportunity for those that need it to discover the perfection of God’s love. For others, it can be an amazing time to extend the love of God like scriptures encourage us to do for those that desperately need it. For the hurting and the lost, there is no greater gift we can provide than our, and ultimately God’s, love this Christmas season.