Timely Message for us all

There has been so much written about the Connecticut school shooting that I do not want to be redundant.  But strangely a couple of weekends ago at our church, a talented film producer had put together a short film on the loss of the Innkeeper's family had to endure because of  his allowing the Savior to be born at his Inn.

What we do not realize is that millions of children two years and younger were killed by a mad man king just out of his fear of Jesus.  Have you ever thought of  those children lost to an insane king?  The best way to grasp this in light of the children lost in Connecticut is to know that they are playing in heaven along those millions lost over 2000 years ago.

Please watch this message and film as I know it made me realize the events surrounding the early years of Jesus.  Link on the link and have a blessed day of thankfulness for your children.  No matter what their age might be.

 Click on this link:    InnKeeper

Christmas Depression is Real

Experts say that Christmas time is the most likely time of the year to experience depression. They claim that the suicide rate is higher during December and early January than any other month and we need to understand that Christmas depression should be taken quite seriously. 

Depression right after Christmas day can be triggered by a multitude of things, such as losses, failures, finances, and loneliness as these elements are exacerbated this time of year. People who have had death in the family or have experienced divorce or the loss of a child are more prone to depression, especially during any holiday season.

It can be especially difficult to cope with a Christmas  depression because everyone else seems so joyous, and so for you to reach out feels more awkward.  We don't want to bring down those around us, we don't want to feel "different" or alienate ourselves, and we don't want to draw attention to ourselves either.  We tend to disassociate ourselves from our own feelings and ask ourselves self defeating questions.  We wonder what's wrong with ourselves and why we can barely drag ourselves out of bed and become functional human beings.  On top of our feeling sad and dysfunctional, we feel out of place everywhere  and somehow cannot validate our feelings.

Not all holiday depression has anything to do with loss or failure or death, or even anything obvious. Sometimes people tend to just get depressed around the holidays. Yet those without an obvious “reason” feel that they really shouldn't be depressed and are least likely to reach out for help. It’s as though people who have experienced trauma in their life have more of a “right” to experience holiday depression than those who appear to have everything that could need or want.  If you are a Christ Follower you become so critical of yourself and think, “I’m happy to celebrate the birth of Jesus, so why do I feel this way?”

The onset of Christmas depression can sneak up on you in numerous forms. You may simply start to feel more tired than normal or start sleeping through the alarm. You may have procrastinated on holiday shopping, even when those events that require your participation are only a few days away. You may start to feel randomly irritable, or snap at people without provocation. You may start to feel disconnected with the world and withdraw from those around you, even children. These are all signs that you are experiencing at least some form of holiday depression, and warning signs that you may need help in dealing with whatever is making you feel this way.

If you are alone at this Christmas season and you realize that you are coming down with holiday depression, reach out to someone by phone, whether it is a friend, a relative, or a professional, just call someone. This is so important. There is nothing to be ashamed of and there are plenty of people willing and able to assist you.  A bad moment (even a really long one that last several weeks) does not have to ruin a future. Unfortunately people who find themselves depressed and do nothing about it are prone to staying depressed, maybe for the entire winter or even consider checking out on life.  Living in depression can interfere with job performance, friendships, romantic relationships, parenting ability, self care, and even the ability to take care of the dog or cat. It can lead to losses of very important things if the depression becomes serious enough.

I know about this as I have experienced it in the past, so I encourage you to know the signs and do something about them by reaching out.  If you see someone else depressed this season, you should reach out to them.  Just let them know you care and offer suggestions for things to do to keep them away from depression.  Your friends need you and it’s not for money or just a passing, “Merry Christmas”.  

Even if you know first hand that you are loved by the Creator, do not feel ashamed that you are having these feelings.  They are real !  So one way to get you through this season of your life is to go help at  homeless shelter or food kitchen.  You will not feel alone when you see the appreciation on the faces of many who do not know that they have any hope. It is a great way to get through depressing times this Christmas!



Particularly this Christmas Season demonstrate your caring!

Reflections of Christmas this Morning

Luke 2:11 "This very day in David's town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord!"

As I start this special morning of Christmas, I sit here quietly staring at the lighted Christmas tree with mixed emotions. The emotions I am supposed to have are those of joy and peace and good will to all.

But before any of the presents are opened, I realize that there are some traditions that just cannot be repeated. As my mind flashes back to my childhood days, I recall getting up and running to the Christmas tree to see the Lincoln Log set under the tree with a log house already built.

Soon my mind flees to the Christmas mornings of my children when they would awaken to the whine a new puppy or some other special gifts. If they chose to sleep in too long on Christmas morning, I would go to the kitchen and begin to bake cinnamon rolls. Naturally, I had to make a lot of noise to wake them from their slumber. It is those joys of Christmas mornings that are now just memories.

As tears flow down my face, I think of the people to whom I can never again wish Merry Christmas because they have gone on to be with the Lord. If I keep this going, I know I will be depressed for the entire day. I truly can understand how depression around this time of the year can take place, especially if a person does not have a relationship with the Savior. Then I get a great Tran Siberian Orchestra CD and has the special  some "Someday".  Watch the DVD  TSO-Someday   And I started to cry again.

Even though all these events are in the past, the Lord gently reminds me that Christmas is not about me. I refocus on the Savior who gave up Heaven to communicate directly to me. He loved me so much that he gave everything for me.

During your quiet time this morning, thank the Lord for giving you this day to celebrate his coming to earth for a relationship with us. Thank Him for family, friends, and loved ones with whom we come in contact with each day. Give your children a hug and tell them you love them, no matter what their ages.

Call those who cannot be near you this Christmas. Since the Lord demonstrated His love for you, take the time to create new memories that reflect the Lord’s presence, even if it is banging on the pans to get the kids up to celebrate this day. When cleaning up all the paper and ribbon, pause for a moment to smile and remember that this was not about you, but about the Lord and the ones near you.

In that joy, you will find peace and love to carry you into the New Year.

Merry Christmas!