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Readings: Psalm 13
Throughout this season, many of us focus on joy. Christmas’s excitement and expectation cause our hearts to beat faster, and the anticipation starts our adrenaline pumping.
But I know Christmas time isn’t that way for everyone.
For many, this season is one of sadness and loneliness. Some are far from home and family. Others mourn the loss of someone or something. Even those of us who are joyfully enjoying these weeks can have dark days.
Perhaps, we can hold space for both. As complicated people, we often have many emotions and thoughts. We can be and feel many things at once.
It’s ok for this season to be a time of both/and. Both joy and sorrow. Both laughter and mourning. Both busyness and loneliness.
Advent, a time of both already and not yet, reminds us that it’s necessary to make space for the and. It reminds us how often we live in the in-between.
Reading the Psalms shows me in plain language that David also is both/and. He writes honestly about his feelings, hopes, and struggles – and things are not always cut and dry.
David doesn’t shy away from telling God the hard things; he’s not afraid to show his humanity to the Lord.
Many of us are taught to button up our emotions, put on a brave face, and don’t cry about it. But maybe that’s not what you need this season.
Here is your permission, in case you need it, to make space for the and.
You can be both joyful and sad this season. Indeed, things don’t look like they usually do. You can buy gifts to give and mourn the loss of a family member or a job. You can look forward to the birth of the Christ child and grieve family traditions and gatherings that won’t happen this year.
I don’t think God wants you to put on a false happy face for Christmas. Instead, he wants you to come as you are, with all your emotions, your mess, and your not-togetherness.
God loves us and makes space for us and our big feelings. Feelings remind us that things in this world are not as they should be. We know that there’s something better.
So, bring whatever you’re feeling to the Lord today – happiness, sadness, joy, grief, excitement, dread. Get honest with him and trust that he can handle it.
We are living in the in-between, and God graciously meets us here, too.
Journal Prompt: What feelings are you having about Christmas this year? Be honest with yourself and with God about the and.
