Inconsolable at Christmas

What some people will remember most about Christmas this year will be the people who no longer share it with them.  There is, perhaps, no season which lends itself to so much joy.  It is the season of bright colors, festive wrapping, parties with friends, musical concerts, tables that project the definition of a feast, and gatherings of family.  It is also true that no season lends itself to so much grief.  Grief may initially be experienced in the loss of a presence dear to us, but as days stretch into months and even years of living with them gone, the loss becomes focused on what is lost to them and to us.  Some will find it hard to move through the season of joy without a personal grief which will be unnoticed by most people in the room.

That grief and loss is a part of the story of the Incarnation is something we often miss.  After the wise men from the East came, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child..."  (Matthew 2:13). As Joseph and Mary fled to safety, there was surely relief, but also the loss of family, familiar surroundings, and everything that was a part of their lives.  Herod did search for the child.  Not only did he search, but he also "killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under..." (Matthew 2:16). "wailing and loud lamentations" was indeed visited upon many a family in those days.  It was a time of inconsolable loss and grief.  

It is important that we not miss the grief and loss that some carry into these days. It may be years since some friend has experienced the loss of someone who was greatly loved and very much a part of their lives, but do not dismiss them by thinking they should just get over it.  Grief is not time conscious.  It does not gently knock at the front door of our heart, but instead when it comes, it knocks down the door.  Give grace to those who are forever picking up the pieces.