{"id":10994,"date":"2012-12-14T05:17:53","date_gmt":"2012-12-14T10:17:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lisadelay.com\/blog\/?p=10994"},"modified":"2012-12-17T15:45:54","modified_gmt":"2012-12-17T20:45:54","slug":"debbie-downer-and-christmas-lament","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lisadelay.com\/blog\/debbie-downer-and-christmas-lament\/","title":{"rendered":"Debbie Downer and Christmas Lament"},"content":{"rendered":"

“It’s Christmas, lighten up! You’re such a ‘Debbie Downer<\/span><\/a><\/span>‘!” someone said.<\/p>\n

(Not to me, but I was in the throes of lament and just stared in shock wondering what would happen next. Would someone throw a punch, or would the named just wither in shame?)<\/p>\n

The Joy and Rescue we are given in the Incarnation, celebrated at Christmas, should banish all pains and sorrow…..er….not so fast!<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

Lament and Joy always seem to pair off together. Strangely so. <\/span><\/h4>\n

Or Maybe not.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Perhaps because one doesn’t make sense without the other. Joy is chased by sorrow, and sorrow by Joy. Anyone with a choke hold on gladness is probably on drugs, uppers, of course. Can the words “choke hold” be paired with gladness?<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Well, that’s my point.<\/p>\n

I see a lot of pushiness to “bring Christ<\/strong>mas back” and be glad because it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but that feels like a choke hold to me. <\/em><\/p>\n

I need what I need. God will comfort me when I need it, and be in my Joy when that’s where I am. I’m not sure how I’ll feel today or when family pours in and presents go flying.<\/p>\n

That’s<\/span> what time of year it is!<\/p>\n

My Debbie Downer Prayer:<\/p>\n

Oh, Lord,<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you for the gift of your Son in a manger.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Be with me when I don’t feel this joy in my salvation,\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Give me the comfort of your steadfast love.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

For those who are tormented, for those who have sorrow or\u00a0grief,<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

For those whose burdens and hope deferred are strong enough<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

To keep under wraps amidst the cheer, be their hope in trail. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Hear their cries and laments <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Salve them with your good Spirit\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Be their Shepherd and Deliverer<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Show them you love them, whether they feel happy or not.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Amen.<\/em><\/span>
\nHere’s some Debbie Downer for you.<\/em><\/p>\n