I’m a total fan of the Christmas season. But, I understand that sometimes the holly jolly can simply be too much. All the merry and bright can be painful to those of us who are facing the season with sorrow, loss, loneliness, sickness, poverty, or other problems of the human condition.

I’m sorry.

I apologize for the decking of the halls and the ringing of the bells. I’m sorry if all the joy in the world simply accentuates your sorrow. I’m truly, truly sorry. Please know we are not making light of those things when we scatter tinsel everywhere.

So, what are we to do, then?

The Bible says to mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. I suppose the only thing we can do is tell one another. If you are mourning, or depressed, or sick, or poor- tell someone. Maybe your neighbor or the preacher down the street. Maybe a counselor or your doctor. Maybe your mom or your spouse. Keep telling until someone listens long enough to get you help. Of course, the only help may be the passage of time. But, it is good to pass time with people

And Christmas?

With great compassion and deep care for your pain, I’m going to celebrate. All the lights, all the trimmings, all the fal-la-la-la-la I can find. Because the story of Christmas starts in darkness. 

But, the Light always comes.