It is almost impossible to believe that December is upon us. The year has felt like a loss to many of us, and if you are like me, I vacillate between feeling like it has been the longest year ever and then also wondering how in the world 10 months have gone by?
Many of us are simply baffled at the changes 2020 brought. We have navigated remote learning with our kids, virtual church, shopping in masks, and distancing ourselves from our friends and family. Most of us have now experienced Covid fatigue. We are tempted to let our guards down, while the data suggests that the infection rate is worse than ever.
How do we close out this year in the midst of continued frustrations with life, but try not to lose the magic of Christmas and savor what is left of this year? Some find wisdom in a "Let it Go" mentality. We can't control the situation, so just relax, try to make the best of it and "let it go." Embrace the remote learning situation--just do the best you can. Watch church online, it is better than nothing. Don't make a big deal about the mask, just wear it! This too shall pass.
While this "let it go" mentality may help us cope with some of these life changes we are being asked to make, it doesn't close the circle on the disconnect we all feel. How can we bridge this gap, this discontent, that is gnawing inside of us?
What if instead of "Let it Go" as Elsa so famously sang, we "Let it Glow?" Letting our frustrations go is passive. It leaves a void. We feel empty, robbed, and lacking. December is about hope, joy, the anticipation of the Savior being born. Christmas is about the light coming into the darkness of the world.
We don't have to just let 2020 go. We can end this year with the glow of Christ, the glow of HIS light, HIS hope, in our lives. In John chapter 1, Jesus' life is described as the true light coming into the world. The world is dark, but his light shines in the darkness. This year has felt especially dark and heavy, but God's Word reminds us that He is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.
The lights of Christmas are more than a fun car ride with your kids drinking hot chocolate. Although that is a great tradition, the light of Christmas is about remembering that our hope is not in this world or in a particular year, our hope is in Christ. We have to let the light of Jesus shine in our hearts this December to "Let it Glow." Our kids need to see HIS light glowing in us, our friends need to see HIS light glowing in us. The world needs to see HIS light glowing in us.
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:6
So as you trim the tree, string the lights, hang the stockings, consider the light. Marvel at God's goodness to send His perfect son into this dark world to take our place and pay the penalty for our sin. Keep the fun traditions of Christmas. Enjoy the magic of the season with your family, but also, teach them about true hope, true joy, and his light.
Resist the temptation to simply let 2020 go, and instead redeem this month with a new phrase--Let it Glow.
