John Pavlovitz: If You're Struggling This Christmas [View all]
John Pavlovitz - If You're Struggling This Christmas
John Pavlovitz
Dec 24, 2024
This message isnt for everyone.
This message is for you, the person whose heart is heavy today, the one for whom this season is not merry and bright, the one who doesn't feel at all like singing.
Its for you who face subtraction; who feel the combined attrition of the all losses you've accrued this year; the people who've passed away, the ones who left voluntarily, those you've had to push away to protect yourself.
Its for you who've seen the end of something you loved; the dream that dissolved despite how much you gave up to make it real; all the things that you wish to be true right now and should be true but are not.
Its for those who've watched their best attempts to save their marriages and relationships not be enough, who are finding themselves no longer half of the whole they once felt securely part of; those who have a different set of chairs around the tablefar too many of them empty.
This message is for you who are grieving; those sitting vigil in hospital rooms praying for good news; those who just got test results back and have heard the worst; those who are spending this day planning a memorial service instead of a holiday celebration.
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