This time of year is known for its magical food, family, music, and traditions that bring people together. But this year, I cannot seem to find resonance in words of empty gladness. For many, this holiday season will be quiet, lonely, or layered with anxiety and grief. However, despair will not sustain us through the duration of this hard time. Hope for better things to come will help us find resilience and thankfulness for what we have will bring us peace. This Christmas season a song continues to run through my head. “Grown-up Christmas List”, Amy Grant’s rendition. The words are this:
Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies
Well I’m all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I’m not a child but my heart still can dream
So here’s my lifelong wish
My grown up Christmas list
Not for myself but for a world in need
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, no
This is my grown up Christmas list
I know so many of us relate to this “Christmas list”, especially this year. This season I hope we have a powerful reminder that even amidst of the pandemic, we are united in praying, hoping, and wishing for the same things. We pray that that this world has healing, those grieving find peace, and those who are exhausted find resilience. It is quite incredible to think that the world, in all our division and brokenness, might all be wanting the same things for Christmas.
Author: Sarah Floyd, LMSW, Manager of Jackson Living Center