Are you struggling with this?

Christmas is awesome…until it’s not. I’m not talking about the Good News of Jesus birth that will bring joy to all people. That is always Good News.

However, Christmas tends to magnify our pain. If you’ve lost someone, the pain resurfaces around this time of year. This season is filled with reasons for joy, but for many…finding and experiencing that joy doesn’t come easily.

Let me encourage you with a couple of keys during what may be a difficult time:

1-Surround yourself with the right people. Come to church. Serve others. The last thing you should be doing right now is keeping to yourself. You don’t have to fake your joy. Tell your friends it’s difficult right now, but don’t go it alone!

2-The joy is still there when you focus on Jesus. Life is difficult, but God is good. Cling to Him. Focus on Him.

The road ahead may not be an easy one, but look to obey and follow Jesus every step of the way.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:4-8 NIV)