Don't Let Christmas Cripple You: Part Three

      The day is past, but the memories will linger. Sadly, the memories are not always happy. Despite Andy Williams telling us Christmas is the “most wonderful time of the year,” for many it is the most depressing. We must not let Christmas cripple our Christianity with depression.

      Some become depressed because they did not get what they wanted. Some because they got exactly what they wanted but it did not bring them happiness as they expected. Some because the bills for all they purchased start showing up. Some because they are not able to spend this time of year with a deceased loved one. Whatever the case, many depart December with depression.

      Sadness is no sin. But lasting depression can cause serious problems in our lives. Depression turns us inward, focusing on self. When we devote our thoughts to ourselves, we lose sight of others. Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us we must always put others above ourselves, viewing their interests as more important than our own. We cannot follow that passage when we cannot see past our own noses.

      Second, when depression turns us inward we may forget God. If we do not forget Him, we may believe He has forgotten us. Even worse; we may believe He does not even exist. Too many have allowed self-pity to turn them from the Lord.

      We can destroy this depression, instead of allowing it to cripple us with the following plan.

      First, we must grow our contentment. If we allow materialism a place in our lives we will always face depression over what we do not have. Contentment, however, allows for peace and joy because we are satisfied in our present circumstance (Philippians 4:11). As we learned in our last article, this contentment should begin with remembering God’s ever abiding presence and turning to Him through prayer and Bible study.

      Second, as an outgrowth of contentment, we must not let debt be part of our Christmas. The retailers are telling us we deserve their products. If we deserve them, we have earned them. If we have earned them, we will not have to borrow to pay for them. So much depression can be avoided if we simply celebrate within our means.

      Third, seek to help others. No matter the cause of our depression the number one cure is to turn our focus upon others. When we intentionally follow Philippians 2:3-4, we forget our “problems” in the pursuit to help others with theirs.

      Even if we recognize this time of year has no real basis in the Bible, this time of year ought to be a happy one. We must not let Christmas cripple our spirituality. Rather, as always, we must glorify God in all we do.

Edwin L. Crozier