Christmas is supposed to be a jolly holiday, but many people find themselves stressed, scattered, broke, and hurried during this frantic season.
Christian author Max Lucado, who wrote books such as "Facing Your Giants" and "You Are Special," said a lot of people actually feel weighed down by the holidays. But before they give in to their season of panic, Lucado shared on his website three things that people must keep in mind.
First, the sight of happy children is a reminder of a vacant crib. Next, a busy social schedule only highlights the empty calendar of others, and lastly, images of families together reinforce the pain of families apart.
"If this season is hard for you, if you're looking forward to December 26th more than December 25th, then I've got a story for you to consider. I'd like you to contrast your plight with that of a young girl," he wrote.
The girl is far away from home and has spent the last five days on crowded roads. No matter how hard she tries to keep a good attitude, Lucado said it wasn't easy. Celebrating the birth of Jesus away from those she loves is not what she had planned, and all she's surrounded with are complete strangers.
"Even if she could leave, she'd never make it home in time. Even if she had the time, she doesn't have the strength. She needs some rest. She needs a bed. She needs some help," said Lucado.
The girl aches for her family, but she knew they would not understand how she became pregnant before her wedding. What's worse, the child does not belong to the man she is about to marry. She is at least grateful that he still married her, and she is hoping for another miracle that night.
"She'd envisioned giving birth at home, mom holding one hand, Joseph the other. Perhaps if they could all celebrate the birth of her firstborn together, then they, too, would believe. At least, that was Mary's plan," said Lucado. "Of course I could be wrong about Mary's plan. Perhaps the feed troughs and stables and midnight birth pains were her idea. But I don't think so."
Just like Mary, Lucado said people's plans might currently be going awry. But stress will come only when people allow it. Lucado said people should do what Mary did and just trust God for a Christmas miracle.
"Things look bleak today, but they might change tomorrow. Don't assume that your troubles will linger. Mary had faith to let God do a work inside her. Follow her example," he said.
Mary also obeyed God without fail, and did not rebel, pout, or demand for an explanation. Like Mary, people should sign up for God's servanthood because those who demand to be served are likely to be disappointed. "Those who take the position of a servant are happiest because they have fewest expectations. Make it your aim to serve, not to be served, and the clouds will lift," he said.
