Stories by Firefly! : 12 Days of Christmas || Day 11 || Your Pain is Not Forgotten

Thursday, December 24, 2020

12 Days of Christmas || Day 11 || Your Pain is Not Forgotten

This isn't the post I had planned for today. If you had told me during previous Christmases that I would be writing this now, I'm not sure I would have believed you. Yet this is the only thing I feel peace about sharing today, Christmas Eve 2020.

Christmas has always been my favorite time. But after this year, it feels tarnished. The pressure to be happy and get "into the spirit" seems almost silly after a year marred by heartache, brokenness, and loss. The typical Christmas movie with a scrooge-like character who, through a series of events, discovers the "true meaning of Christmas" isn't a plot I've found as much enjoyment in this year.

And you know what? That's okay. It's taken me a few weeks to realize, understand, and make peace with the fact that Christmas isn't the same this year and it's not a bad thing. While the earthly things of Christmas—the supposed feeling in the air, the movies, the books, even the gift-giving—doesn't feel as special or meaningful right now, the real reason of Christmas can never change or lose it's glory.

I have known many families to experience unimaginable loss and pain throughout the course of this year, and it weighs heavy on my heart. While talking with a sweet friend a few weeks ago, she reminded me of a beautiful truth.

Your pain is not forgotten.

My pain, your pain, the pain of everyone on the globe... is not forgotten by the Lord God who created each and every one of us.

In the midst of a season focused on happiness, it's okay if our hearts still ache. Because He is right there with us, holding us through our pain, healing our hearts.

To the family with an empty seat at the table this year, an empty truck in the driveway, and presents under the tree addressed to one who won't be here to open them... your pain is not forgotten. You are seen. You are loved.

To the service members far from home, away from family and missing Christmas and all it brings. Just because you signed up for this doesn't mean you aren't allowed to have sadness in your heart.

To the one with a worry-filled heart for the addicted family member thats gone astray. Jesus knows and hears and welcomes you both into His loving arms.

To the couple unable to have a child in the midst of a season with emphasis on family and children... your pain is not unnoticed, your prayers are not unheard.

To the elderly locked away inside nursing homes, unable to see beloved family members this Christmas... You are not forgotten. You are loved and missed and cherished.

To the grieving, to the lonely, to the estranged, to the broken, to the hurting, to the worried, to the fearful...

Your pain is not forgotten.

You are seen. You are heard. You are loved. You are held. You are broken, but you are healing.

We can rejoice, even with heavy hearts.

We can rejoice, even though our souls are weary.

We can rejoice, knowing our pain is not forgotten.