When Christmas Isn’t Merry

I used to dread one particular family gathering at Christmas. Two brothers-in-law were certain to end up in a fight. One worked for a company that the other felt was unfair to his business, so sly comments and snide remarks had to be inserted in the conversation. And of course, the other would explode. We all learned to head outdoors and try to enjoy the snow until the verbal storm blew over, usually signaled by one of them getting in his car and leaving.

It was easy to recognize the faults in each one that led to the problem. Thankfully, I had recently read a quote that basically said, “God doesn’t show us other people’s faults so we can criticize them, but so we can pray for them.” That became a lifeline that kept me from being overwhelmed by the tension. Although I don’t always have that concept at the front of my thoughts, it’s something God keeps bringing me back to time after time.

May we all handle our fragile holiday gatherings with prayer!