“Honey, Santa doesn’t bring us everything we want.”  My mom attempted to soothe my little-girl-heart.  “Look at all the other wonderful presents you received.” 

“I know.”  I agreed, even at the age of seven, I felt guilty for my disappointment.  Today, as an adult, I still suffer from expectations that remain unmet and dreams that often appear to rest just outside my reach. As human beings, we will continue to feel the sting of disappointment as we live our lives on this planet. The Holidays usher in for many of us, the hope for a better future, and at the same time painful disappointment and memories of years long past.  

 Maybe your past Christmas experiences mirrored mine, and you didn’t get what you wanted, or thought you needed. Possibly, you had a family that instead of breaking out the good cheer broke out too many bottles of booze.  

Some of us have spent the holidays alone, lonely, and wondering what all the fanfare is really about anyway.    

Most of us correlate holidays, and the New Year, with new beginnings. We rush to make our latest New Year’s resolution only to find ourselves, the following month, back in the same old rut. We may have concluded, why bother?  I’m destined to fail…again.   

If you look closely, you will see all the examples above have one thread sewn through them.  Me.  I.  My.  Me, me, me, me—it is all about “me” and “my” feelings.  Certainly, we all have experienced painful situations, and I can’t pretend to understand all you have been through, but God doesn’t have to pretend. He knows! When we change our thoughts and begin to focus on Him, our Savior, the Holidays take on a whole new meaning.   

If you belong to Jesus Christ, this is the season to remember He can and does make all things new—including you. You may not be exactly where you want to be this year, but with God, everyday brings a new hope for a more fruitful future. Is it time for you to lay down your expectations, disappointments, and concerns at the foot of the cross?   

For starters, why not focus more outward and upward this Holiday Season?  For example: 

Ask the Lord to reveal to you one person, or group of people, you can help in a tangible way. (Your prayers, your time, your encouragement, and possibly your provision)  It really is true; when we give we receive more than we could ever ask for or imagine. 

Pray and focus more on God.  It is proven what we think about leads to what we do, and eventually what we believe.  If we believe in the “Bah-humbug” school of thought, well, we’ll be grumpy people who only see the glass as half empty.  

 In Philippians 4:8—God tells us to think about Whatever things are true, Whatever things are noble, Whatever things are just, Whatever things are pure, Whatever things are lovely, Whatever things are of good report, Whatever things are virtuous, and Whatever things are praiseworthy.   

God’s Word is filled with those “things” we are to think about. 

Finally, you may be in a place where you believe you cannot give at all. You might be experiencing indescribable pain and loss. Even so, there is still something you can do—reach out to others, and up to God for help.  Admitting your need, whatever that need might be, is the first step to your own personal, New Beginning. Our God is in the transformation business. Why not celebrate His gift of life this Holiday season, by allowing Him and your church family to minister to you?  Join a small group or Bible study. 

When I was seven, I was disappointed over a silly doll. It may seem trivial, but for a little girl, a special doll is a big deal.  Later that evening, my father approached me and said, “Carol, take a look behind the work bench.”   

As I raced down the stairs and peered behind my dad’s work bench, I already knew what I’d find—the doll. Sure enough it was there. Once I had surrendered my desires, became grateful for what I already had, and remembered what Christmas was truly about—Jesus--God blessed me with more than I could have ever expected.    

When we place our hopes and holiday expectations in Jesus Christ, we will not be disappointed. After all, He is the ultimate “New Beginning.” 

Let’s Celebrate Him!