For some, Christmas is ”the most wonderful time of the year”, “the hap-happiest season of all!” But for others, it is, to borrow a line from Shakespeare, the “winter of our discontent”.

Christmas for many is a season of sorrow, not of joy. There’s the empty seat of a loved one who’s passed away, the pile of rubble and guilt created by the sin of indulgence, the loneliness and disappointment of a fractured family, the pain of job loss, and fear of rising debt. Perhaps it’s you who’s suffering this year.

If so, it’s a time to trust God in the midst of trials and pain.

In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah said, “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”

So, trust Him. He is your Creator and your Savior. You can trust Him with your loneliness, your fears and your heartbreak and financial challenges.

There are also many practical things you can do to make yourself feel better, and stay in the right mindset this season:

• Take care of yourself. Sleep, eat well, and exercise daily.
• Find God in the everyday. Go outside, breathe deeply, admire the sunrise, the sunset, the stars the God has made. Christmas is a time of wonder – pause to admire the beauty in what seems normal or boring.
• Don’t isolate yourself. We were made for community.
• Know your limits. Don’t shop if you can’t afford it. Write notes, or make your own gift cards.
• Look for ways to serve others. It gets your mind off yourself and puts things in perspective. You’ll quickly realize that others have their own challenges.
• Praise the Lord every day. He is in control, reigning on high, and blessing in countless ways. Your gratitude will bring joy and a peace that surpasses understanding. He is your rock and fortress, an ever-present help in trouble!

If someone you know is suffering this year, be attentive. Think of people you know who don’t have much ope of having a happy Christmas – financially, physically, or emotionally. Call someone today, and tell that person that you love him or her and that God does too. See if there is anything that person needs.

The holidays can be a very lonely time for some people. If you can invite others into your home, that’s great. But if not, at least and give of yourself. The busier you are doing for others, the happier your Christmas will be.

We hope that you find immense joy and peace this Christmas season!

One easy way to connect your heart to Christ this season is with our daily God is Faithful devotional. You receive a short devotional in your inbox every morning that includes encouragement, biblical principles, and financial concepts. Sign up for free here!