Christmas Stress Relief
Over the last nine months, we have been treated to the indignities of COVID: uncertainty, fear, anxiety, sickness, death, mandates, shutdowns, and shortages. We’re used to the toilet paper shortages, but now it’s antacids. COVID has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of many and the rising use of medications to treat depression, insomnia, and anxiety (up 15-34 percent before the current wave) along with binge drinking (up 20 percent) is disturbing.
We know there is a familiar connection between the stomach and brain so it is not surprising that COVID anxiety has given rise to gastrointestinal problems. All this has turned into an unprecedented run on and sporadic shortages of antacids like Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox, and other over-the-counter acid reducers like Pepcid and Prilosec. Pepcid (famotidine) is being stockpiled by some who believe it to be helpful in treating COVID.
How do Christmas and antacids relate even remotely? They both are connected to stress.
Whether it’s COVID-19 in 2020 with all its stressors or finding out your Son (Jesus Christ) was targeted for death by a jealous first-century genocidal king named Herod “who slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under” (Matt. 2:1-23), tensions are always present in any age.
Yes, antacids can be a great blessing to those who suffer from stomach issues, but Christmas reminds us of the greater blessing the coming of Jesus Christ gives to everyone who suffers from sin issues.
What exactly is Christmas Stress Relief? It is the blessing of the coming, words, and actions of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to all who believe.
It is Matthew 1:21: “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
It is Luke 2:10-11: “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
It is Luke 12:6-7: “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”
It is Matthew 11:28-30: ”Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
It is John 8:36: “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
It is John 10:10: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
It is John 14:1-3: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
It is John 14:16: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (the Holy Spirit), that He may be with you forever”
It is John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
It is John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
In these stress-filled days, you may need to take an antacid or another useful medication, but most of all, make sure you take Jesus at His profound, transformative Word. He is the ultimate stress reliever! There are so many great Christmas songs that calm my spirit and remind me of God’s peaceful gift to me. One song I love is Mary, Did You Know? I love various versions of it: Anthem Lights, Mark Lowry (co-wrote the song), and Michael English.
Pastor Jeff