For many, the holidays bring a mix of sadness and joy. While we anticipate the coming of Christ, the family traditions, and the warm holiday greetings, this time also reminds us of those we’ve lost. Whether we remember them through photographs, include them in toasts, or share memories of them over Christmas dinner, there is a sense of sadness that cannot and should not be denied.
It is not a bad thing to feel sadness over the holidays. However, amidst that sadness we must also turn to our faith and recognize that, while our loved ones may not be with us, they have begun a journey that was started over 2,000 years ago. Christ laid down His life for us, and opened the door for us to experience eternal joy with our Heavenly Father. Though we miss being with our loved ones physically, there is so much joy to be found in their hopeful reunion with the Lord.
While our world is filled with many tragedies, and while this year has certainly been one of great difficulty, I’ve witnessed time and time again how faith can lift someone out of deep despair. There is no way to avoid suffering in this world, but by allowing the Divine to enter into our hearts, joy can pierce through the pain and give us glimpses of hope and peace.
My prayer this Christmas is that we may all open our hearts to God’s love and take comfort in knowing of the abundant joy He wishes to share with us.
God bless,
Andrej Lah
December 2020
Faith, Hope, and Remembrance 