Dealing with the Emotions of Christmas

Total panic! That was the feeling I had after losing my five-year-old son in a crowd of thousands. One minute he was standing right next to me and then the next minute, he was gone.

I have never felt so small and helpless than at that moment. It was terrifying and I felt completely hopeless!

It was amazing how fast my emotions went from feelings of joy to total panic. All I knew is that I had to find him or my life would never be the same. So, I prayed, “Oh, God please help me” and, thankfully, he did.

After looking for a few minutes we found him about twenty feet away. He never really went anywhere. I just couldn’t see him in such a large crowd.

During the Christmas season it’s easy to experience a variety of emotions. For some it’s a time of love, joy and peace. For others it can be frustration, stress and panic, especially in large crowds.

Here are some essentials to remember no matter what emotion you’re facing this Christmas.

1. Jesus is with you.

Christmas is all about not being alone. It’s why Jesus came, in fact. It’s the exact reason the angels referred to Jesus by the title “Immanuel” when they said, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us.”). (Matthew 1:23)

I know the holidays can be an overwhelming roller coaster of emotions. It’s important to remember that Jesus came so that he could be with you, even during the panicky times.

2. Jesus will never leave you.

Losing a child in a crowded place is a parent’s worst nightmare. It can be one of the most terrifying situations we ever face. It’s actually what Jesus promised he would never do. Ever!

Hebrews 13:5 says, “God has said, ‘never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Do you know what that means? It means Jesus can’t and won’t lose us. Oh, we might not see him like we should but he’s there. You just have to look.

This is really what Christmas is all about. Jesus came to be with you and to never leave you. It’s important to remember that whether your emotions are good or bad.

Talk it over: