Christmas Blues

TODAY’S VERSE
And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Do You Get Depressed at Christmas time? Maybe It Is Time To Change Your Memory! I have always had a hard time with the holidays. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get into the swing of things. This was only more obvious since I married Christmas Carol herself, my wife, Janine. She embodies the Christmas Spirit. I often thought that I wanted to be more like her. Then one day, as I was researching emotional resilience, I came across a topic of memories. During my reading, I had an epiphany. I treat Christmas like a memory. Yes, somewhere in the past, I created a schema that Christmas is a time to feel rejected, lonely, sad, and left out. Now, this is the farthest thing from my reality, but it is the lens through which I saw the Holidays. The epiphany I had was, “Why can’t I forget the memory and come to the Holidays fresh with a new outlook? This year is a whole new Holiday, and I could paint it any color I wanted.” You know, it worked! I determined that I would not taint the season and let it play out. With eight grandchildren, I was able to overdose on joy and excitement and enjoy the wonder of the season. You know in the Bible it says, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) This year learn what the Shepherds learned when the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Might you, this year, allow the wonderful counselor to fill your heart with peace and joy. It’s time for a fresh memory.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Thank You, Lord that I can look at Christmas with a fresh lens. Thank You for coming to earth to be my Savior and my Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace.
AMEN

Ron Ovitt is an author, ordained minister, pastoral counselor, recovery coach, and President of Empower Ministry. Besides his lifetime experience of teaching and preaching, Ron has given over 500 lectures on habits, addictions, and emotional & spiritual-related topics. For information on his books, videos, and podcasts, go to www.ronovitt.com<http://www.ronovitt.com>