There’s no doubt that holidays – especially Christmas – see an increase in reports of depression. Whether it be memories of a deceased loved one, a recent divorce or separation, job loss, or family turmoil, depression seems to intensify during holiday seasons. While there seems to be an unfoinded myth that suicides increase at those times, that doesn’t mean the amount of mental anguish isn’t substantial.

It is also a time when the power of a strong faith can make all the difference.

Although most of our posts have addressed the conflict between faith and logic, this is one case where the two concepts work best when working together – faith as the resource, – logic as the path.

When we consider faith as a “resource,” we need to take that definition to heart. Even if we feel our faith is weak, we need to, at the very least, embrace the possibility that there is power in faith. We need to reflect on the stories that others have submitted describing the results of faith in their lives.

Then, we need to apply logic to the probability that the same faith that has served others can serve any individual in need. Now we need to apply another layer of logic to realize that the power of faith lies in the act of believing.

If all this sounds like some type of multi-layered puzzle, it is because it is exactly that. Each element depends on the successful application of the other. Add to that, another layer – the reality that the emotion of despair has a head start. The whole state-of-mind we define as depression has built up momentum before we even begin to address it.

The sad fact is that neither faith, nor logic alone can soothe the wounds of despair. We need to start with whichever element is strongest for us. We need to recognize the basis of our despair and recognize that the conditions that has led us to that state are always temporary.

Then we must be willing to heal.

Then we must embrace faith as the salve that can soothe our emotional wounds.

We must believe in a loving Creator that nourishes our development by allowing us to experience enough pain in life that we are eventually overwhelmed by the love and joy of our ultimate destination. In short, we need to accept that our holiday blues are a small price to pay to purchase a seat at heaven’s banquet table.