The title lifts straight from the UM Reporter, the concern lifts straight from the lives of good friends. Some of us are vulnerable to the Christmas-blues, emotions overloaded by the loss of a loved-one, a new loss or a long-ago loss. The heart really doesn't keep a calendar, does it?
Long shadows of winter days magnify loneliness, people missing from the family roll-call live in our imagination so vividly, and the light-hearted good cheer all around may just amplify.
In those moments, blessed are those who have caring, sensitive, aware Christian friends. An arm around a shoulder, a solid hand-shake, a simple knowing that someone understands and remembers with you, all these are precious. Julie Yarborough, widow of the late Leighton Farrell, former pastor of Highland Park UMC in Dallas has written a book: Inside the Broken Heart. There's insight and help there for those of us who really want to be a helper.
As people of faith, we are aware of the empty chair, and as we focus on Jesus's birth, it tugs on our hearts to help us conquer that empty spot.
It's o.k. to remember and help someone reminisce, it's o.k. to talk about those not with us this year, and it's o.k. to allow a tear to show.
And it is MOST o.k. to love one another through difficult moments, especially the ones that slide into our awareness just as everyone else sings the joyful songs. It's o.k. It becomes a good mix.
Bring that to Jesus, too.
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