Whether your parents, family members or friends give you the gift you’ve hoped for or not, I want to give you a Gift that will satisfy a hunger and hope in every human heart. My prayer is that you come away from this morning with a joyful heart, whether you receive five silk ties, four wool sweaters, three photo frames, two purple gloves or a ornament for your Christmas tree.
This morning, I like to help us refocus on the true hope of Christmas. The biggest emotion most people feel during this "happy holiday" is not happiness but resentment, exhaustion or depression. There is no expectation attached to such a phrase. "Merry Christmas" is turning into "happy holiday." Unfortunately, the phrase "happy holiday" has no more meaning than "How are you doing?" from the cashier at the department store. So folks are celebrating at best, a time off with family or snow activities, and at worse, colds and flu. Instead of Christmas vacation, many students are now enjoying their Winter Break. The focus is further blurred by those who wish to be politically correct. Instead, the parents of those kids are forced to cover for him and to perpetuate such a fantasy until the hope of Christmas turns into materialism. For many, the focus is placed on an overweight-white-beard, old man, who sits in the mall making promises to little children but never delivers on the promises. I’m usually not an armchair researcher, but I believe much of the holiday depression comes largely from a wrong focus. I heard repeatedly on the radio this week that depression is very common during the Christmas holiday.
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