03/12/2024
DEZEMBER 2 REMEMBER: A Month of Joy and Sadness
December is often celebrated as a month of festivities, travel, holidays, new clothes, and delicious food. However, for many, it is also a time of deep emotional struggles. Some sink into depression, and tragically, some even consider or commit su***de. One significant reason for this is the traditionally family-oriented nature of the holidays.
Questions like, "Where are you spending Christmas?" or "Are you going home for Christmas?" may seem innocent and perfectly normal. After all, the expectation is that everyone has a family or place to call home. Yet, for some, these questions highlight painful realities—they may not have families to visit or celebrate with.
While many retreat to their family corners, braaing, laughing, and sharing drinks, others are painfully reminded of what they have lost. They think, "I wish my parents and siblings hadn’t died in that accident," or "If only I were married with children, we’d be putting up a Christmas tree and lights, buying gifts, and wearing matching pajamas."
For those of us who have families to go home to, this is a privilege—a blessing to be deeply grateful for. However, December isn't just difficult for those without families. Unfulfilled expectations and dreams for the year can also bring a sense of failure or disappointment.
On your vision board, maybe you wrote, “In 2024, I will buy a car or a house,” but unexpected troubles derailed those plans.
Christians may recall prophetic declarations from the pulpit—words like, “In 2024, you will drive a beautiful car,” or “God will grant you a marriage partner,” or “Your promotion, breakthrough, or fruit of the womb is coming.” Now, as December arrives with those promises unfulfilled, the weight of disappointment can feel overwhelming.
A MESSAGE OF HOPE
To anyone feeling low in spirit this December, remember this: God does not operate according to our calendars. He exists outside of time, and His plans unfold in His perfect timing. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, we are reminded:
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
December may feel like the end of the road, but in God’s realm, it is simply another moment where His plans are at work. Align your spirit with His will, and trust that He is weaving something beautiful, even if you can’t yet see it.
ACTS OF KINDNESS
As we navigate this season, let us be mindful of those who may be struggling. If you have a family, consider including someone who doesn’t in your celebrations. For some, however, going home isn’t a joyful option. They might have to face relatives who have hurt them—uncles who abused them, aunties who silenced them, or others who inflicted deep emotional wounds. If this resonates with you, it’s okay not to go back. You can create your own space of joy and peace, even in the city.
To everyone, let us practice kindness. A simple rude word could push someone already broken to the edge. Instead, reach out with compassion and generosity.
HOLD ON TO HOPE
If things haven’t worked out this year, remember that God is a covenant-keeping God. It may not happen today, or even this month, but He is alive and active, working behind the scenes in your favor. Everything will be okay—just hang in there. Your Redeemer is Alive, faithful, and He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Let’s make December not just a time of celebration but also a season of hope, kindness, and love.