‘Tis the Season to Be

‘Tis the Season to Be . . .

How would you finish this sentence? Our culture pressures us to say “jolly,” but what if feeling jolly is the farthest thing from true for you during this holiday season? Many could say, “Tis the season to be lonely, sad, disappointed, angry, grieving, or even hopeless.” If that’s the case for you, I hope to encourage you with the promise from our loving God, who strengthens us. Joshua 1:9 reminds us to, “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” So how do we regain that sense of God’s presence, love, and care when our circumstances leave us feeling forgotten or abandoned?

A wise songwriter once wrote, “When you can’t see His hand, trust His heart.” In other words, if we are virtually scraping to find evidence of God’s goodness when we are hurting, it can help to remember His character and His track record of keeping true promises. Those are lofty things, for sure, but there are also some very practical ways to get through the holidays in better shape than you might expect.

My church is hosting a gathering before Christmas called “Blue Christmas,” intended to comfort and care for those who really dread the holidays. Hopefully, the feeling of community, love, and the truth of God’s Word, which continually speaks of His unfailing love and His abiding presence, will serve to diminish fears, sadness, and even hopelessness. We pray that it points those attending to the hope we all have in Christ, from the beginning of time, through the present, and even as we believers look to abiding with Him in eternity.

Let us Walk in His Way.

Dear Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to Earth, to walk among us, to experience humanity, and ultimately to die as a payment for our sins. Because He rose and sits at Your right hand in Heaven, and because Your Spirit dwells within all who walk with You, we can experience Your peace, Your love, and Your joy, no matter what trials surround us. During this season of Christmas, we thank You for all these blessings. Amen.

by Corinne “Kinney” deHamel

author of “Walk in His Way” for

Carry the Light Ministries