Lonely at Christmas
An ode to those for whom Christmas may not be Merry and Bright
Hello dears! Merry Christmas!
This holiday season has been weird for me - the first in two years where I haven’t been a missionary and actively focused on others 24/7. I’ve wrestled with a few difficult questions and some new mental hurdles, thus this poem was born about a week ago during a particularly poignant personal study. I sat near our Christmas tree, feeling generally scatterbrained and inadequate. As I was pondering the Christmas story, however, this poem came to me and brought me an immense sense of peace.
Hopefully it brings you some comfort if your Christmas season is yielding new and unwanted feelings. :) I’m here for you, as is Jesus Christ.
LONELY AT CHRISTMAS
If you’re feeling burnt out this Christmas,
Think of the Shepherds.
Working late into the night shift, completely unaware of a surrounding chorus of angels warming up their heavenly hallelujahs and preparing to appear.
Wondering if they’ll ever be worthy of a miracle, humble as they are.
If you’re feeling anxious this Christmas,
Think of the Wise Men.
Setting out for a journey that could last years, with only a star guiding their way.
Perhaps wondering if all this work would lead to empty dreams and bitter disappointment at the end of the road.
If you’re feeling lonely this Christmas,
Think of Mary.
Going through one of the most excruciating physical experiences of her life, practically alone and far away from home, in a stable.
Wondering if she really can do this.
So, if you’re feeling burnt out, anxious, or lonely this Christmas,
You’re in good company.
Wait a little longer, and you will hear a heavenly chorus.
Trust in the star that’s guiding you, and one day, though distant, you will see Christ.
Keep pushing, and you will understand that you are worthy and capable of the task put before you.
And then, come to the Christ Child.
See the king, so tiny and humble,
Lying in a manger.
Fall to your knees and thank Him for descending so low, for loving so deeply.
Give Him your best gift, your heart
And trust that one day, you’ll never feel burnt out, anxious, or lonely again.Because of Him.
Love you all. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Live laugh love.
Anj
P.S Here are two of the most FIRE Christmas talks I’ve ever heard - give them a listen/read if you want a little more to do :)
Elder Gong's sweetie Christmas Carol analogy (WITH PROPS!)
An Ensign article by Elder Christofferson for my overworked/anxious boss babes (yes, you! read it!)