Christmas doesn't feel like Christmas

Christmas is in just a few days, but I do not feel much like Christmas. Yeah, we've got some decorations up, but there's no family for me. Even for my family back home it doesn't feel like Christmas. They'll be together, but there is so much junk they have to deal with that it makes it hard to get into the spirit. What I want most for Christmas is intangible, and I don't see much hope for getting it right now. Nebulous, yes, and something that I have now mentioned twice, but not something that I care to talk about. Overall it has been a rather rough year for me and looks like that will carry into next year as well. I know God is faithful to us, but sometimes I wonder what He's up to.

I have been pondering the negative effects of broken fellowship among believers of late.

"How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore." (Psalm 133)

"Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." (Matthew 5:23, 24)

God's blessing is where unity is, and strife among believers can hinder our relationship with God. It hurts everyone involved. Blessed are the peacemakers.