As we officially enter into the holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas the need for a heart makeover becomes more evident around us. Many people even refuse to say "Merry Christmas" and substitute the word holiday for Christmas. The denial of the true reason for Christmas is seen in the focus on materialism and the elimination of religious oriented references in schools, public displays and advertising.
With Jesus left out no wonder the season becomes so depressing for many. Mike Hardcastle of About.com says, "The holiday season is traditionally one filled with joy and togetherness but it also has a darker side. For many people the family and friends focus of the holidays can exasperate existing feelings of loneliness and alienation. It's a sad fact that incidents of suicide increase during the holiday season." We humans have a relationship oriented makeup and when that need isn't being met the sense of aloneness and helplessness is increased.
Jesus provides a solution for our relationship need. He said, "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). While human relationships are extremely important, our relationship with Jesus is necessary for real life. Elsewhere we read in the Bible that God has quickened us (made us alive) who were dead in sin. When a person has not experienced that new life and then faces the season which focuses on thanksgiving to God and celebration of His gift of the Son, no wonder there is a feeling that life isn't worth living.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas look for those who need a heart makeover. Let the joy of celebrating a relationship with Christ so overflow that they are bathed in the joy of the Lord and drawn to become a part of the celebration by establishing their own relationship with the One who loves them and is always present for them. Share the grace God has given with others.
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