THE 12 STRESSORS OF CHRISTMAS
The Most Wonderful??
Christmas is a wonderful time of year. Hallmark and other movies contain
bits of magic. My personal favorite is Miracle on 34th Street. For Christians,
it’s a time of deep celebration as we consider the profound mystery of
Immanuel – God coming to be with us. That’s right. This is the same God
who went BANG and created a whole universe. Now, God becomes a
humble human. God not only shows us a better way to live but makes that way of life possible.
What are We Celebrating?
A college professor once pointed out that where God builds a church, next door, you’ll find that the evil one has built a chapel. That seems to be what has happened with the celebration of Christmas. It has become all about prepping the Christmas letters and cards, big dinners, the politics of family, finding presents, putting up decorations. It can also be painful for people who feel alone or who are living through their first holiday season after loss. How can you not be preoccupied with these things?
A New Song
A few weeks ago Ashley Stark and Tobi White at my church wrote a new lyric to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” It was called, “The Twelve Stressors of Christmas.”
In the chaos of the holidays, we prep for many things:
1. The politics of family
2. Christmas cards I’m sending
3. Burnt turkey dinner
4. Haven’t bought the presents
5. I’m all alone!
6. Lights are not lighting
7. No time for cleaning
8. Prices and inflation
9. Which family are we seeing
10. First year after loss
11. Uncle Buddy’s drinking
12. Aunt Tilley’s judgment
It was fun to perform, and everyone could identify with one or more of these stressors that so easily take our hearts away from observing the real celebration that God is with us.
Merry Christmas!
All of us at the Center for the Restoration of Impaired Clergy wish you a fabulous and enjoyable Christmas season. No matter what stressors or other things may divert your attention, we pray you keep this astounding gift of God foremost in your heart.
Just Say “No Thanks”
Compassionate Accountability is the newsletter of The Center for the Restoration of Impaired Clergy. You receive it since you indicated an interest in the Center’s work. To stop it, just say “No Thanks.” The newsletter is assembled by Otto Schultz so address your complaints and questions to OttoBSchultz@outlook.com.