Irony? At Christmas?

Frederick Douglass once said: “At a time like this, scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed.”  I suppose he may be right.  For in my mission to feed the hungry soul today, I can only think of the irony at hand.

Irony amazes me. Dichotomies catch me off guard. There’s something raw and unexpected about the contrast of what one expects vs. what one receives. Famous men and women have commented on life’s irony.  The good, the bad, both the righteous and wicked alike have noted irony’s ways.  George Saunders is quoted with the line: “Irony is just honesty with the volume cranked up.”  Very true, I feel.  Especially now.

In my estimation we experience no greater irony than at Christmas time; no greater dichotomy to digest than during the most celebrated time of year.  In the very moment the whole world seems to be rejoicing, raw and real feelings catch us off guard, turning celebration into sorrow.  When others around us are happy, we hold unwanted feelings. And we are not alone. These unexpected emotions bleed out of millions of individuals across the world—those feeling the irony, or dichotomy, of the moment. 

Many experience joy while some feel pain.

Millions share love while many only feel hurt.

The feelings of sentiment contrast with intense feelings of loss.

In a moment we are supposed to be happy, many feel deep depression.

Irony.

To some extent, we’ve all felt the bitter-sweet.  Most of us have felt pain.  Most of us have known loss.  The holiday season seems to amplify that loss, showcasing it, making it all we can see. To some, this may be your first Christmas without that special loved one.  A feeling I know well.  I ache with you, friend.

Ray of Hope is an organization dedicated to raising awareness and suicide prevention in the community.  Passionate about spreading hope, they share accurate information, raise community awareness, and provide support for survivors—all something vitally needed. Last week my wife and I attended A Celebration of Life: A Ray of Hope Event.  It stirred me inside.  To see a banquet hall full of people who came to celebrate their lost loved ones was both special and gripping.   

I sat at the table.  I looked around.  Precious survivors.  Men, women, young adults, people gathered in sorrow.  A common bond.  In what should be the most celebrated moment of our calendar year—Christmas—heavy hearts leaked tears through mournful eyes all around me.

Such irony.

I mourned with them.  Candles were lit celebrating lives of those lost.  Some spoke inspiring thoughts and sentiments.  It was a time to share a bitter-sweet smile with those who understood.  Many did.

Ray of Hope did a fabulous job.  They are doing exactly what their mission statement suggests: providing a place in the community to congregate, to find support, to find shelter from loss.  They are educating.  Equipping. Being that shoulder for others to come and cry on.  Providing hope. It was a beautiful evening—one appreciated by all those attending. 

It made me think.

As a Christian, what are we to do with this irony?

When the lights shine brightly through neighborhoods throughout the world—how do we handle the irony inside?  When trees are strapped on top cars and pickup trucks and hauled to living rooms where excitement awaits—what do we do when we’re not in the mood to celebrate?  When cities are buzzing with adrenaline, a mix of all sorts of holiday cheer—how do we process it all?  When candles are lit with the sentiment of that warm and fuzzy feeling of nostalgia—how can we take our next breath when all we feel is pain? 

You may ask yourself . . . What do I do now?  All I feel is irony!

I saw a Pinterest quote while preparing for this post.  Clinton Sammy Jr says: “Oh but that’s the irony, broken people are not fragile.”  Some part of me agrees.  But I have felt very fragile.  And over spans of my life very broken as well.  And I suppose that is ironic too.

Falling to my knees and roots as a Christian, I’m reminded of the very core of what the season is about.  We celebrate with lights.  Lights are everywhere.  Shining for everyone to see.  In each corner and thought of our mindset, a light shines bright in the dark of Christmas night.  And that’s exactly what happened, is it not?  Christ came to enlighten us.  He came in the dark of a Bethlehem night, spot lit by a star, born as the light of hope for a world lost without Him. 

Regardless of whether the world has acknowledged this sacred event or not, they’re still celebrating.  And they celebrate with . . . you guessed it—lights.  Even those who don’t believe Christ came to save them will still string up lights.  Even those who refuse to accept Him are lighting candles.  Even those who turn a blind eye to what He did.

Ironic, isn’t it?

For me, as one who holds the light of Christ inside, I want to do the same as what the Ray of Hope is doing.  I want to pass out hope.  Pass it out freely.  Pass it out to everyone I can.  Just as they are reaching those affected by suicide, I’m reaching those who are affected by the damage this ugly world has done.  And so, I want to share light with you.  To the broken.  To the fragile.  To those who don’t know how to take the next breath.  To those caught in the irony of Christmas.  I want to pass out a light.

John 8:12 says it plainly: Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

From one who knows the joys and pains at Christmas time to another, I want to encourage you this season.  Don’t give up.  There is hope.  I’m only one breath who can testify to it.  If you are struggling with the irony I speak of, reach out to someone.  Email me and I can pray with you.  Get in touch with a local church and get plugged into a social group who can help hold you.  If you are struggling with suicide survivorship or suicidal thoughts yourself, you can reach out to a hotline.  Ray of Hope of Westmoreland County is available and eager to help those in the local community.  You can find them in the link below.

The night can never be so dark to extinguish the light of one single candle.  And Christ is the light that lights our way.

Savor the gift of life you have been given.

Be blessed this Christmas, my friend.

By Chuck Carr.

For more info about Ray of Hope, how to help, and how to support them,

click here: Link to Ray of Hope Website.