How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (NIV)

It’s the day after Christmas! How do you feel? Was the celebration everything you imagined and hoped it would be? Oftentimes, if I’m honest, I feel a bit let down after all the hype, preparation, and busyness. All that work for this?  

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Of course, we don’t want to feel that way.  What do we do when things don’t feel good and pleasant, especially with our family? Unity sounds like it should be easy, but most of the time, it isn’t.

I love the book of Psalms, and today's verse is found there. Unity is an interesting word to use at Christmas because oftentimes there isn’t much unity around the Christmas tree or the dinner table. We use the word often when talking about politics, family, or church. We desire unity, but it isn’t always easy to attain. In the last four years we have experienced some very dark times: a worldwide pandemic, civil and political unrest, and a very interesting and controversial presidential election, just to name a few. It’s exhausting, unsettling, and sometimes downright scary.  

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It is in those dark times that we need to cling to the light, which is Jesus. How do we do that? Pray, pray, pray, and stay in His Word. He promises to meet us right where we are. Hebrews 13:6 says that “He will never leave us or forsake us.” What a promise! I believe it is then that we will see unity grow. Can you think of a time when you were going through a very dark season? Jesus seemed far away, and hope seemed to be out of reach? God has not abandoned you. He is right there. Call out to Him.  

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The book of Psalms is my go-to when I am hurting or discouraged. I read through the entire book once a year. It always amazes me how the verses hit me in a fresh way every time. God knows what we need, when we need it.  This is also a good time to reach out to a friend who you know will pray with you and for you and encourage you. That kind of unity in Christ is a sweet, sweet thing.

Dear Lord, even though Christmas is over, help us to shine Your light in this dark world. May others see Christ in us as we purpose to be Your hands and feet. May we carry the gift of Christ and Christmas all year through. Use us, Lord; we desire to be difference makers for the Kingdom. In the name of Jesus, amen.