A Symbol of Hope

Psychology is an interesting thing. Interesting in the fact that it doesn't always align with what seems like common sense.

We, as humans, are more apt to act out the the experiences of our past than to avoid them. The son of the alcoholic dad becomes the alcoholic dad. The girl who was raped sexually abuses a child as an adult.

Naturally, it's hard for me to understand because I have not lived through this. In my mind, I would think that one would do everything they can to avoid becoming the monster they once encountered. Sadly, that's not true in many cases.

There is good news, though: we are not condemned to make the same choices as those who have wronged us. We can take a stand and choose to be better.

Christmas is as good a time as any to talk about this. For many, it's a joyous season, but for equally as many, it can be very difficult. Where people are being merry, people are bitter that they can't share in that same merriment. The season may only serve as a reminder of those painful scars.

Please allow me to remind you what this season is about and why we are joyous. We take this time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who has come to wipe the tears from your eyes and welcome you into His family. Eventually, that baby grows up to be a man who dies for our sins as well.

Christmas is a symbol of hope. Where we were inevitably doomed to our own sins, Christ comes in this humble, flesh form to rescue us and adopt us into His family. Our earthly families or friends may have failed us, but we can find love and connection with Christ's family.

I know you've probably been burned by the church, but I still want to extend an invitation to you to reconsider your faith. You don't have to be alone. The church is not perfect, but I think you won't regret this decision.

When it comes to our hurts and pains, we have a choice: pass it up or pass it down. You may not think you can pass your problems down to the next generation, but psychology tells us otherwise. I think that, deep down, nobody wants anybody to experience that same pain we've faced. Make the choice to end the pain here, both for your own sake and for the sake of ones you love.

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