There’s a popular Christmas movie that many dads seem to relate to this time of year.
It’s called Christmas Vacation, and the lead character is a dad named Clark Griswold. He is relatable to many of us because he tries so hard to pull off the perfect “fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.” He is met with disappointments and setbacks as he tries to grapple with a full house of family, an ungrateful boss, and Christmas light issues–all at the same time.
The Christmas season can be like this. We hope and plan for the best, but other things get in the way and often serve as a Christmas-sized helping of disappointment.
If you’re a man who can relate to this struggle, you are not alone. Statistically, Christmas can be a time when stress, loneliness, and depression spike. Maybe we all start out as hopeful as Clark, dreaming of a perfect Christmas season. But maybe that’s where we make the mistake—we expect so much from a holiday that it can’t possibly deliver.
John Maxwell once said, “Disappointment is the gap between expectation and reality.” This is certainly true during the holidays.
Maybe that’s where we make the mistake—we expect so much from a holiday that it can’t possibly deliver.
Here is our reality:
- People are not perfect.
- Careers are not perfect.
- Friends and family are not perfect.
When we have unfulfilled expectations in any of these areas, we can get anxious and even angry—even amid a “joyous” holiday season.
But the good news is that God loves to work right in the middle of our imperfect and messy realities. That’s actually why Jesus, the true light of Christmas, was born.
“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” (Isaiah 9:1-2 NLT)
This prophecy was later fulfilled in Matthew 4:12–16.
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NLT)
From the earthly perspective, a child was born in a Bethlehem manger, but from the heavenly perspective, a Son was given. Jesus was given for us and to us so we could enjoy the blessings only He could bring. Jesus came to light up our darkness and bring us the hope and help we need.
And He still does that for you today.
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NLT)
What stress or sadness do you allow to get to you, especially this time of year? If you allow your peace or joy to be controlled by other people (or your holiday lighting), you will risk losing both constantly. Darkness will try to creep back in.
Jesus wants to light up your life instead.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then, you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)
This Christmas season, take some time to get alone.
Then, give God your current inventory of disappointments, stresses, and struggles with others.
Then, leave it with Him and thank Him for helping with all of it. Let Him work on it while you enjoy His peace. Let the Prince of Peace give you His peace.
Jesus came to save you and shoulder the load you are trying to carry alone. Life, like holidays, doesn’t have to be perfect. God already sent us the Saviour we needed, our “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Have you called Him that lately?
The most important thing men can do this Christmas—for yourself and those you love— is remember the unchanged role of your Saviour and let Him fulfill that role in your own heart. Once His peace floods your soul, you’ll have enough left over to share some with others.
So, relax and enjoy some eggnog in a moose-shaped mug. Give others a break, and give yourself a break. Don’t try so hard to squeeze peace and joy out of people or events that cannot fully satisfy you or make you whole. God has already planned to bless you, no matter how messy and imperfect life is around you.
The first Christmas began with a few invited guests in Bethlehem—some angels, shepherds, and later a few wise men. But when Christ finished His work on the Cross, the invite went out to all mankind (Matthew 28:18-20). He came to help you right where you are, no perfect Christmas lights required. He provides the Light Himself.
Merry Christmas!
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