"A Blue Christmas"

We recently celebrated what would have been the ninth birthday of our beloved granddaughter, Kayley Janelle. She was only given to her family for a fleeting time of about sixty days before a severe heart defect and catastrophic stroke prematurely shut down her precious little life. Every time we visit the cemetery we are painfully reminded of how we would have loved on and delighted in her!

Kayley's Ninth Birthday!

On this occasion, we brought a special dessert drink with whipped topping from the local coffee shop. It was our way of commemorating in a tangible way just how much we miss those everyday opportunities to spoil Kayley! There would have been special “date times” to eat at her favorite soup and sandwich shops and chat about her school and social activities. At this season, we would have loved to hear her screams of delight when she opened her gifts, large and small, along with the entire family! Life has a way of changing things! Our hopes and longings can be dashed to pieces in moments!

This is a season mixed with joy and sadness at many levels. The Christmas story is about both celebration and sacrifice. When John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus’ Advent, was born, his parents received this word from an angel of the Lord, “He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth.” (Luke 1:14). John’s life would be tragically cut short when a weak and jealous king had him executed.

When Mary and Joseph took their baby, Jesus, to the Temple for his dedication, they must have been saddened when a wise saint gave this surprising blessing, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul also.” (Luke 2:33-35). Thirty-three years later, their beloved young adult son would be crucified.

Our church is planning a special service of “hope for the hurting” during this Christmas season. This event will intentionally give some space to hurting individuals as they acknowledge and process their feelings and emotions. Some faith communities call this "a blue Christmas” because this season of joyous gatherings reminds other individuals of just the opposite emotions of joy and delight!

It is good for us to be sensitive at this time of year and notice that there may be others who need our encouragement, inclusion, and prayers. These individuals may be grieving the loss of a loved one who is no longer going to be in their place at family gatherings. Others are dealing with a loss of health, a painful broken relationship, or similar hurtful circumstances. Many are sad and find it hard, if not impossible, to exclaim, “Merry Christmas!”

In the busyness of these days, do not just brush by those individuals who may be hurting. Instead, be intuitive, show empathy, and consideration. There are many levels of need among our family, friends, and especially, the strangers who wait in long lines with us at the grocery and department stores!

During this blessed Christmas season, there will be many occasions to share a gentle witness of what Christ’s Coming really means. Let’s look for ways to appropriately engage and encourage others. Our demeanor should always reflect the care and compassion of Christ. The Apostle Paul summed up the Christian attitude so well, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4). Try to find joy each day in this fast-paced season!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
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