There is so much to be grateful for this time of year: friends, family and all the goodness of the holy season. At this time of the year though, my thoughts also turn to those struggling with depression. When I pray for them, I think of the Old Testament reading from Isaiah:
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
Folks with depression are people walking in darkness. Their world is overshadowed by the deep sorrow of psychic pain. They truly feel helpless and hopeless. Even abandoned by God.
But this old Psalm, prayed by generations of people for thousands of years, tells us all, especially people who despair, that there is new light and new hope for the hopeless breaking through the cold night air.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
How we all need to believe – to hope – in this message. That we are not alone in struggle; that there is Someone bigger than our depression. And that God loves us. And to show it, he sent a baby into the darkness of the world that would one day grow into a man of great love, peace and the power to heal even those living in the land of deep darkness.
Merry Christmas and may God’s love always light your path.
