Good morning on this the second Saturday of 2009. Now that the holidays are over and I have written about the joys of being with family and the many blessings associated with the celebrations of Christmas and New Year, it is important to remember that for some the holidays are a time of sadness and depression, especially their aftermath. In fact more people seek the help of professional counselors in the period after the Christmas holidays than any other time of the year. Why is this true, you may ask? There are several reasons. (1) For some there is conflict and unhappiness when people who don't get along are forced to spend extra time together because of the holiday get-togethers. This causes personal and interpersonal stress and strain. (2) For some there is financial pressure because of spending money they don't have, then struggling with the guilt and stress caused by the overspending. The added financial burden can be crippling. (3) For some the holidays are a let down because they have spent much of them alone and while so many around them were rejoicing, they have been alone and lonely. (4) For some who have lost a loved one or gone through a crisis during a previous Christmas, there is suffering from "Anniversary Illness" or a cycling of the blues brought on by the unhappy associations and memories of the previous painful episode during the holidays.
These are a few of the many reasons for post-holiday blues; there are many more. As believers we should be aware that some people are having a difficult time now and practice Biblical exhortation or the encouragement of those who need it (Hebrews 10:25) and when one of us hurts, we are to feel their pain (Romans 12:15). In so doing we will bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2). Do you know any such prospects you should pray for and call or visit now? Then let's put feet to our prayers and be doers of the word not merely hearers.
Tomorrow's sermon is the second part on Making The Most Of Your Money. I'll look forward to seeing you there.
Pastor Mel Brown