Luke 2:33-39
1. Poverty
Mary could not afford a lamb.
Many of us feel like we have less money than at other times of the year.
2. Loneliness
Mary and Joseph had to be separated from their home and families.
The house seems especially empty the week after Christmas.
3. Frustration of things gone wrong.
Because of the tax census, it must have been very frustrating for Mary and Joseph.
Something will go wrong every Christmas.
4. Dim prospects for the future
the prophecy of Simeon
If you don't know Christ, there is no real hope for the future.
How you beat depression
1. a new attitude of worship
a sure-fire cure for feeling sorry for yourself is to concentrate on the goodness of God.
2. a new sense of peace
When Christ comes into each of our lives, there is a peace that nothing can compare to.
3. a new call to obedience
The real reason we get depressed is because we have fallen out of step with God.
4. a new direction of outreach
If you put your energy into witnessing for the Lord, you would see your depression disappear.