Light has come into the world. John 3:19a (NIV)

As a therapist I frequently see that the darkness of winter often matches the darkness of thought that can visit during the Christmas season. Many hours are spent in the therapy office every year exploring loneliness, sadness, depression, anxiety, grief and disappointment. While these experiences are real and legitimate, they can be intensified by an over focus on other people’s choices and behavior. The over- emphasis on family during the holidays is a huge factor in Christmas misery.

It is as if our hearts are silently waiting for a quiet but spectacular event. When we put that expectation on Santa, or family, friends or parties we end up with a sense of hollowness, even if these things are good. There is a divine expectation that can only be met by the appearance of the divine.

I think of the most sacred Christmas experiences in my life and they were all between God and I. Sometimes they occurred as I watched snow fall on a deepening night sky and was reminded of the silence that shrouded the miracle of God coming to the world in a humble form. Sometimes I am sitting in the candlelight of a worship service and imagining shepherds and angels and the feelings they had that something spectacular has happened.

My heart leaps for joy when I ponder the mystery of numinous Light coming into the world in a smelly little stable. Meditating on this amazing event and its significance is creates such joy it helps us understand why whatever expectations about other things we might have or want for the holidays are a disappointment in comparison.