You don’t have to feel merry and bright to celebrate Christmas. Perhaps it’s even better when you identify, even for a moment, with the weary world of Scripture and song:
“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” —Matthew 4:16 NKJV
“A weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”—Silent Night, by Joseph Mohr
Perhaps you are weary because of small children and a puppy, or maybe you’ve been up all night making Christmas a bit more magical for someone special.
Or, perhaps far more serious things are weighing on you today.
In your weariness, know that you are not excluded from Christmas. Our weary hearts are the very ones the Christ child came for.
Sin is wearying. Life in this fallen and sinful world will take the cheer right out of anyone.
Our weariness does not disqualify us from celebrating, but rather readies us for the possibility of even deeper joy as we celebrate His first coming and look forward to the next.
The King of Kings did not come to bring temporary relief for temporary problems—even if temporary is your entire earthly lifetime—but a lasting and complete wholeness and healing that is found only in Him.
Weary soul, may you find peace and rest this Christmas from the only one who can give it—Jesus, Christ the Lord.
Merry Christmas