BradHoffmann.com

The mantra of this season: Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Years. Is it really? How happy are you? Do you dread December – the past, the memories, or the pain. Maybe it’s due to loss, abuse, or any number of raw memories. You look around – the smiles, laughter, and greetings. Yet, deep inside it’s not you – at least for now. Christmas should be a happy time – a joyful season. It’s the celebration of the Advent – the anticipation the Christ Child’s long awaited arrival.

Exhausted by the pain? Tired of the tender memories? This Christmas can be different. It really is a choice. Are you ready to let go of the hurtful memory? Don’t bury it, try to forget about it, or even dismiss it. Let go of it. If you’re really ready to let go, you’ll have to do something different. What you’ve been doing hasn’t worked. You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Want to be healed from the past? Learn a new behavior or way of thinking. Seek Christ, His forgiveness and healing. Don’t mask the pain, but take a new route of healing. Find someone to talk with about the anguish –  a friend, support group, therapist or professional coach. Demonstrate new actions. Take a new path.

In the pursuit of healing, own up to your story. Take responsibility, extend forgiveness, and be honest with God and others. Redeem the memories this Christmas. Live the gift of peace and joy. God is more than able to work good out from the bad, if you’re willing. As you read the story of Joseph and his brothers, Joseph makes a very astute observation in Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” The word “meant” means to weave. While his brothers wove for evil, God wove for good things. God can weave “good” for you. God was working good all the while and now Joseph realized God’s goodness. You can too. Are you ready to recognize God’s goodness? Are you ready to let go of a painful past?