Rejected at Christmas - An Un-Hallmark Experience
Ahhh...Christmas. Presents, family, food, friends, and lots of celebrating - at least that is what Hallmark portrays. But what happens when Christmas doesn't seem so happy? What happens when your children refuse to visit? What happens when your spouse is threatening to leave? What happens when an adult parent disowns you? It is difficult to be in the Christmas spirit when those we love reject us - and yet, it is exactly for this reason that Christmas is here.
Rejection, hurt, pain, and Christmas? Unlikely bedfellows, right? Actually, not at all. Even though the origin of the word, Christmas, is not definitively known, we can be sure that Christmas is all about Christ. Society may preach self-fulfillment and happiness during the holidays, yet Christ came to Earth not for selfish purposes but selfless purposes. The truth is most of the world was not elated to see Jesus. Rather, he was born into a world that hated him, rejected him, and continually tried to kill him - until they did. He knew all of this before his birth, and he still came. But why?
Rejection, hurt, pain, and Christmas? Unlikely bedfellows, right? Actually, not at all. Even though the origin of the word, Christmas, is not definitively known, we can be sure that Christmas is all about Christ. Society may preach self-fulfillment and happiness during the holidays, yet Christ came to Earth not for selfish purposes but selfless purposes. The truth is most of the world was not elated to see Jesus. Rather, he was born into a world that hated him, rejected him, and continually tried to kill him - until they did. He knew all of this before his birth, and he still came. But why?
Isaiah 53:3-6 describes the horrible rejection and suffering Jesus would face, but he still came.
Mark 10:45 explains why, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
John 15 teaches that true love is sacrificial, unconditional, and sometimes painful. It reflects the nature of Christ.
1 John 4 urges us to love like Christ, because love that is not Christ-like is not true love.
It is easy to feel love and show love to those who trust you, are kind to you, say nice things about you, and enjoy your company. Anyone can do that. But showing love to those who love you is not the essence of Christ-like love. Christ didn't come to this world as a baby to be worshiped, to be king, or to have his deeply felt human needs met. He came to love us - the unlovable - and to teach us the truth.
We mocked him. We rejected him. We ignored him. We said mean things about him and to him. Finally, we killed him. And still - he came. He loved us when we didn't deserve it. He offered us salvation when we could not earn it. He cared for us when we could not care for ourselves.
This Christmas you may encounter family and friends who say mean things to you. They might talk behind your back. They may ignore you, avoid you, and shoot you dirty nasty looks. They may reject you - just like we rejected Christ. However, we can still love them. We can show genuine care for those who despise us. We can ask the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and minds with the love of Christ and help us to pour out grace, mercy, and forgiveness on those who are in desperate need of Christ-like love. And we can do this over and over and over again because Christians do not love as the world loves. We love as Christ loves. Christians must love well.
Buying a gift at the store is easy, but graciously pouring out love on those who desperately need Christ is what Christmas is really all about.
Thank you for sharing this Sarah. This has been an extremely difficult year for me. I have such deep sadness in my soul most days, however the Lord has been my strength and joy through it all. He is the best gift in my life.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this. Many people struggle during this time of year. When the holidays highlight discord in our families and rejection, it is difficult to be filled with happiness. But, Christ understands. He has been where you are. Better yet, he sits at the end of our difficult situations. He knows what is going to come. He plans our lives and the lives of those with whom we struggle. God always teaches his children, and he never leaves our side. In our struggle, we honor God most when we choose to reflect him in all we do. We can trust that God can fix all things, heal all people, and rescue us in his time. I am so thankful for Christmas and the hope that Christ brings. I pray that this year that God will give you the strength you need to move through the holidays honoring him with your thoughts, words, and actions.
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