12/23/2025
Unhappy Snowman
By Bill Bridgman 12/23/2025
While using the restroom at our church the other day, I happened to glance at the decoration sitting on top of the toilet. A festive ceramic snowman, dressed in a red vest and little gold buttons, with a black hat garnished with a red ribbon. His little hands held a small snowflake in one and a miniature pine tree in the other. My little friend was sitting in what looked like a wreath of holly berries, pine cones, and a bell-shaped piece of golden wire. Festive indeed, I thought to myself. What a fitting decoration to adorn this fairly bland restroom this winter season. However, as I looked at this creation, I noticed something odd.
This snowman wasn’t smiling. In fact, he looked as if he were unhappy. Just a blank look and expression on his little face, as if to say, I’m sad. I then mused that if I had to spend my day and night sitting in a restroom on top of a toilet, I don’t think I’d be singing “Joy to the World” anytime soon, either. So, I picked the little guy up to see if there might be a twinkling light I could turn on, thinking it might bring a little cheeriness to his countenance. It was then that I noticed he had been broken in half as well. Only to be surgically restored with a hot glue gun. Yes, fixed, but the scar remains.
I wondered as I carefully placed him back on the top of the tank of the toilet, how many other unhappy snowmen may be out there this Christmas season? Think about it: how people go through life vibrant and with purpose, only to have a significant circumstance knock them down, causing them to doubt themselves and steal their joy? Forcing you to face that you’ve been broken and now you feel like the only thing you’re suitable for is to sit on top of a toilet in a bathroom?
I’d be unhappy too.
Like my little, unhappy snowman friend, I have often felt the difficulties and tragedies life brings us. I, too, have felt broken and worthless, only to be that unhappy snowman left on top of a toilet in a restroom. I have been told that even though the Christmas season is one of the most festive times of year, it can also be one of the loneliest too. It is during these times in my life that I look up to the author of my faith, Jesus the Christ, and put all my life’s circumstances into His capable hands. Yes indeed, no matter where I find myself, no matter what my circumstances may seem, I have found it easier to trust the peace of God through Jesus than to seek a false peace from anything in this world. I am reminded of what Jesus told His followers one day about true peace when He said:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
Hopefully, you will find comfort this Christmas season in knowing that there is a God who knows you and every little thing in your life that has brought you unhappiness. A God who wants you to have true peace of mind, peace in your heart, peace in your circumstances. As Jesus also said:
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)
If you'd like prayer for something, send us an email at [email protected], and our prayer team will be praying for you. If you're in the Benton Harbor, MI area and would like to explore relevant, Bible-teaching, check us out on Sunday morning at 10:30 AM.
Blessings – Pastor Bill Bridgman:
