Brightening a Dim Christmas
Brightening a Dim Christmas
Rediscovering Joy and Meaning in the Christmas Season
The Problem: A Dim Christmas
What was Christmas like for you as a child? Many people recall a magical time--twinkling lights, presents under the tree, and a sense of wonder filling the air. For those who didn't grow up celebrating Christmas or whose homes didn't reflect this idyllic picture, the nostalgic charm of Christmas movies offered hope for a future where they could create their own traditions and memories.
Movies portray Christmas as a time when hearts are transformed, families are reunited, and longings are miraculously fulfilled. A child--perhaps seven years old and battling illness--is meant to throw aside their crutches, perform a triumphant backflip, and declare, "God bless us, everyone!" sparking joy and renewal. But on our side of the television screen, that moment doesn't come. Instead, Christmas comes and goes, highlighting financial struggles, illness, loss, loneliness, and lingering family conflicts, rendering December no different than any other month.
Some blame the commercialization of the holiday, unrealistic expectations, or even inflation. But we all know those answers are a bit too simplistic. The 19th-century invention of the chubby and plump, right jolly old elf we know as Santa Claus is not the cause of our holiday misery. Neither is the growing cost of candy canes the reason you can't recapture the joy from decades past.
The Attempts: Chasing the Christmas Spark
If you search online for ways to bring joy back to Christmas, you'll find articles with titles like "Recapture Wonder," "Reignite the Holiday Spirit," and "Experience the Magic." These articles often provide a list of tasks, claiming that by completing them, you’ll restore your Christmas cheer.
Despite our best efforts, these to-do lists rarely seem to restore the light we crave in a lasting way. Many supposed “joy-bringers,” when chased, reveal themselves to be Christmas killjoys. My hope is not to encourage you toward a new method of chasing the imagined “Christmas spark.” But perhaps joy isn’t something we can manufacture through busyness or rituals. What if the light we’re searching for doesn’t come from our efforts, but from something far deeper—something already given to us long ago?
The Unexpected Solution: Gifts Fit for a King
Despite most nativity sets, more than likely, Jesus was already 1-2 years old when the wise men arrived at his home to deliver Him the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a Christmas story. We’re told they began their journey from the east upon seeing a star that appeared at Jesus’ birth (Matt. 2:1-12), making these gifts essentially Jesus’ birthday presents—the very occasion we celebrate at Christmas.
To truly brighten a dim Christmas, I believe we can look to those merrymaking gifts given to Jesus—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—and reject their counterfeits, which I’m calling Christmas Killjoys. In reflecting on these treasures, we can discover a timeless way to rediscover joy that lasts through December and into the New Year.
GOLD
Killjoy #1: Fool’s Gold
We often chase material gifts, hoping they'll fill emotional gaps. Yet even the best presents eventually lose their luster.
Merrymaker #1: Provisionary Gold
Gold symbolized Jesus’ kingship and likely funded His family’s escape to Egypt. It reminds us of God's provision, even in times of uncertainty.
Many scholars believe that the gold given to Jesus may have helped Mary and Joseph escape to Egypt, protecting Jesus from Herod’s deadly decree (Matthew 2:13-15). This act of provision highlights a key aspect of God’s character—His faithfulness and care even in life’s most difficult moments.
In a season where we often focus on what we lack or wish we had, gold reminds us of the blessings we already possess—whether material or intangible gifts like love, support, and peace.
"If you...know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:11)
This season, make a list and check it twice (not to find out who is naughty or nice) to be reminded of all the ways God blesses us. Like the gold given to Jesus, these blessings are not just gifts, but a sign of God’s faithfulness and care. Reflect on how God has provided, in both expected and unexpected ways.
FRANKINCENSE
Killjoy #2: The Holiday Halo
Hoping that attending services or decorating with nativity scenes will rekindle our spiritual fire. But rituals alone can leave us disillusioned when life’s challenges resurface.
Merrymaker #2: Sacred Frankincense
Frankincense, used in temple worship, symbolizes prayer and spiritual connection. It reminds us to seek God's presence, not just seasonal “magic.”
In Exodus 30:34-38, frankincense is described as a sacred fragrance, central to the worship of God. This aromatic resin invites us to reconnect with the sacred meaning of Christmas, centering our hearts on God’s gift of Christ to the world.
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
Spend five minutes a day in stillness, praying or reflecting on Christ’s gift. Light a candle, meditate on Scripture, or pray a simple phrase like, “Lord, brighten my heart with Your presence.” In doing so, we reject the idea of the supposed “Christmas Spirit” and invite the Holy Spirit, who conceived Christmas in the womb of Mary, to fill us with lasting peace and joy.
MYRRH
Killjoy #3: A Christmas Cure
Expect Christmas to heal broken relationships or ease long-standing pain. You will know this is you if you catch yourself saying, “Can’t we all just get along for the holidays.” But the holiday itself can't erase grief or mend hearts.
Merrymaker #3: Healing Myrrh
Myrrh, used for burial, pointed to Jesus’ sacrifice. His coming wasn’t to avoid suffering, but to transform it through redemption.
Christ’s ultimate sacrifice offers a path to true peace. While we may experience loss, grief, or unresolved struggles during the holidays, Myrrh reminds us that God in Christ does not come to erase our pain but to meet us in our pain to bring hope and restoration.
"By his wounds, we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)
Consider where you need healing—whether in relationships, personal struggles, or areas where forgiveness is needed. This Christmas, we can embrace Christ’s healing by allowing his healing work on the cross to heal unforgiveness in our hearts, to mend broken relationships, or even move us to care for the hurting and suffering around us. Healing is at the heart of the Christmas story, and embracing this gift can bring deep joy that lasts far beyond the season.
The Result: A Radiant Christmas
By reflecting on the Wise Men’s gifts, we can shift from chasing fleeting holiday highs to receiving deeper, lasting joy:
This Christmas, let light shine beyond the decorations and into your heart—where God’s gifts endure long after the season ends.
Rediscovering Joy and Meaning in the Christmas Season
The Problem: A Dim Christmas
What was Christmas like for you as a child? Many people recall a magical time--twinkling lights, presents under the tree, and a sense of wonder filling the air. For those who didn't grow up celebrating Christmas or whose homes didn't reflect this idyllic picture, the nostalgic charm of Christmas movies offered hope for a future where they could create their own traditions and memories.
Movies portray Christmas as a time when hearts are transformed, families are reunited, and longings are miraculously fulfilled. A child--perhaps seven years old and battling illness--is meant to throw aside their crutches, perform a triumphant backflip, and declare, "God bless us, everyone!" sparking joy and renewal. But on our side of the television screen, that moment doesn't come. Instead, Christmas comes and goes, highlighting financial struggles, illness, loss, loneliness, and lingering family conflicts, rendering December no different than any other month.
Some blame the commercialization of the holiday, unrealistic expectations, or even inflation. But we all know those answers are a bit too simplistic. The 19th-century invention of the chubby and plump, right jolly old elf we know as Santa Claus is not the cause of our holiday misery. Neither is the growing cost of candy canes the reason you can't recapture the joy from decades past.
The Attempts: Chasing the Christmas Spark
If you search online for ways to bring joy back to Christmas, you'll find articles with titles like "Recapture Wonder," "Reignite the Holiday Spirit," and "Experience the Magic." These articles often provide a list of tasks, claiming that by completing them, you’ll restore your Christmas cheer.
- Host a Holiday Gathering: A joyful idea, but without genuine joy at its core, the time and energy required to plan, decorate, and clean up afterward can quickly diminish what should be a festive, life-giving experience.
- Decorating: This common suggestion typically demands a lot of time and effort, and after a few days, the novelty fades.
- Christmas Music: When the tone of the song clashes with our internal and external realities, it can leave us feeling more out of sorts.
Despite our best efforts, these to-do lists rarely seem to restore the light we crave in a lasting way. Many supposed “joy-bringers,” when chased, reveal themselves to be Christmas killjoys. My hope is not to encourage you toward a new method of chasing the imagined “Christmas spark.” But perhaps joy isn’t something we can manufacture through busyness or rituals. What if the light we’re searching for doesn’t come from our efforts, but from something far deeper—something already given to us long ago?
The Unexpected Solution: Gifts Fit for a King
Despite most nativity sets, more than likely, Jesus was already 1-2 years old when the wise men arrived at his home to deliver Him the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a Christmas story. We’re told they began their journey from the east upon seeing a star that appeared at Jesus’ birth (Matt. 2:1-12), making these gifts essentially Jesus’ birthday presents—the very occasion we celebrate at Christmas.
To truly brighten a dim Christmas, I believe we can look to those merrymaking gifts given to Jesus—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—and reject their counterfeits, which I’m calling Christmas Killjoys. In reflecting on these treasures, we can discover a timeless way to rediscover joy that lasts through December and into the New Year.
GOLD
Killjoy #1: Fool’s Gold
We often chase material gifts, hoping they'll fill emotional gaps. Yet even the best presents eventually lose their luster.
Merrymaker #1: Provisionary Gold
Gold symbolized Jesus’ kingship and likely funded His family’s escape to Egypt. It reminds us of God's provision, even in times of uncertainty.
Many scholars believe that the gold given to Jesus may have helped Mary and Joseph escape to Egypt, protecting Jesus from Herod’s deadly decree (Matthew 2:13-15). This act of provision highlights a key aspect of God’s character—His faithfulness and care even in life’s most difficult moments.
In a season where we often focus on what we lack or wish we had, gold reminds us of the blessings we already possess—whether material or intangible gifts like love, support, and peace.
"If you...know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:11)
This season, make a list and check it twice (not to find out who is naughty or nice) to be reminded of all the ways God blesses us. Like the gold given to Jesus, these blessings are not just gifts, but a sign of God’s faithfulness and care. Reflect on how God has provided, in both expected and unexpected ways.
FRANKINCENSE
Killjoy #2: The Holiday Halo
Hoping that attending services or decorating with nativity scenes will rekindle our spiritual fire. But rituals alone can leave us disillusioned when life’s challenges resurface.
Merrymaker #2: Sacred Frankincense
Frankincense, used in temple worship, symbolizes prayer and spiritual connection. It reminds us to seek God's presence, not just seasonal “magic.”
In Exodus 30:34-38, frankincense is described as a sacred fragrance, central to the worship of God. This aromatic resin invites us to reconnect with the sacred meaning of Christmas, centering our hearts on God’s gift of Christ to the world.
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
Spend five minutes a day in stillness, praying or reflecting on Christ’s gift. Light a candle, meditate on Scripture, or pray a simple phrase like, “Lord, brighten my heart with Your presence.” In doing so, we reject the idea of the supposed “Christmas Spirit” and invite the Holy Spirit, who conceived Christmas in the womb of Mary, to fill us with lasting peace and joy.
MYRRH
Killjoy #3: A Christmas Cure
Expect Christmas to heal broken relationships or ease long-standing pain. You will know this is you if you catch yourself saying, “Can’t we all just get along for the holidays.” But the holiday itself can't erase grief or mend hearts.
Merrymaker #3: Healing Myrrh
Myrrh, used for burial, pointed to Jesus’ sacrifice. His coming wasn’t to avoid suffering, but to transform it through redemption.
Christ’s ultimate sacrifice offers a path to true peace. While we may experience loss, grief, or unresolved struggles during the holidays, Myrrh reminds us that God in Christ does not come to erase our pain but to meet us in our pain to bring hope and restoration.
"By his wounds, we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)
Consider where you need healing—whether in relationships, personal struggles, or areas where forgiveness is needed. This Christmas, we can embrace Christ’s healing by allowing his healing work on the cross to heal unforgiveness in our hearts, to mend broken relationships, or even move us to care for the hurting and suffering around us. Healing is at the heart of the Christmas story, and embracing this gift can bring deep joy that lasts far beyond the season.
The Result: A Radiant Christmas
By reflecting on the Wise Men’s gifts, we can shift from chasing fleeting holiday highs to receiving deeper, lasting joy:
- Gold: Recognize God's provision and express gratitude.
- Frankincense: Seek meaningful spiritual connection.
- Myrrh: Embrace Christ’s healing and share it with others.
This Christmas, let light shine beyond the decorations and into your heart—where God’s gifts endure long after the season ends.
Posted in Pastor Eric Targe