“And Mary said, my soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit rejoice in my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47 KJV)
We read Craig Groeschel’s thoughts aloud to our kids on Christmas Eve morning. They felt important in the chaos and reduction that has been 2020.
“Christmas is a magnifier. If things are good in your life, Christmas tends to magnify that goodness. That which is good seems better. A good family seems great. A good party seems fantastic. A good memory becomes an even better one. Christmas magnifies the good. But unfortunately, it can also magnify the bad. If you are struggling the Christmas season can almost make the struggle seem more intense. Financial stress is tough anytime of year. In December, it feels unbearable. A challenged relationship with extend family is never fun. It seems to be accentuated during the holidays. If you normally battle loneliness, Christmas may be the loneliest time of all.” (Craig Groeschel)
Craig’s words are entirely relatable this year. I feel a bit lucky; 2020 has been a strange oasis for our family, a season of recovery and reconnection, certainly not our worst. We’ve been baptized in the fire of far harder seasons. For me personally, 2020 has been a log and intimate walk with my family and my Savior. But even writing that feels trite, I know it has been such a dreary and terrible year for so many.
Christmas can find us at the very bottom or at the very top. And whatever our altitude, the lights and music will amplify it. The year Rob and I got engaged, I was flying high: ecstatic about the new direction of our life together. I was elated by the festivity and promise. It felt as if the whole world was celebrating with us. In heavy contrast; the year my mother passed – six days before Christmas – was the darkest I had ever known. I recall tears leaking out as the kids opened their gifts and crying through every Christmas carol at church. That Christmas felt as if the world went on without me and mom, mocking us with their determination to celebrate despite her death.
Craig is right. Christmas is a magnifier. I suspect many are unhappy, alone, unemployed, hungry, ill or grieving this Christmas. My heart aches for the hurting because I know all hurts hurt worse when others celebrate with earshot.
Mary’s song reminds us precisely what we are to magnify: not our feelings but the Lord. Feelings get big all by themselves, we needn’t add any fuel to that fire. But God is faithful, unchanging and for us. His love for us does not fluctuate from year to year or moment by moment. His salvation is sure. We can cling to it on the darkest nights and celebrate it on the brightest dawns. This and every Christmas, choose to set the sights of your soul on God and magnify Him with all you are.
“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.”
(Psalm 34:3 KJV)
Lord, we see how Christmas magnifies our feelings. Today we choose to magnify You. Christmas is about the truth of Your salvation efforts: a free gift for all who will receive You. May this truth steady us in the dark and in the light alike. My our joy be firmly seated in You. Amen.