Holidays and Sadness...It Happens

Walking around during the holiday season means hearing all those songs about how cheerful Christmas is and how we all need to be smiling and singing. Yet, did you know there is also a spike in the suicide rate this time of year? Real cheerful, right?

Well, the holidays can bring with them a lot of joy for a lot of Christian teens. Most of us do find ourselves smiling and humming Silent Night and awful lot. But, it's important that we also realize that there are people out there facing some not-so-nice times in their lives. We need to be sure we are there for our friends and family members who are facing things like layoffs, losing a parent, and simple holiday stress. Prayers and support are essential in a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

So, yes, every Christian teen should strive to find the joy in the season. It is a time when we celebrate the bedrock of our faith. We should enjoy the spirit of giving and sharing with one another. Yet, we should also find ways to spread the joy of the season to others who may not be so fortunate or may be struggling with sadness and depression. Jesus is a comfort and joy to each and every one of us, but it is up to us to show people that light and help Him comfort each and everyone who does not see the joy in the season.