During this joyous Christmas season, many people are hurting. Baking cookies and singing carols can feel like salt on open wounds. Some people are struggling financially or wrestling with pain or battling depression. Others have lost a loved one and can't imagine Christmas next to an empty chair. You might know someone suffering like this. You might be one of those people yourself. So what does Christmas offer those who are hurting?
God offers His nearness. God is closely with you in whatever you’re experiencing. Christmas itself—the birth of Jesus—is God's way of saying, "I will not stay distant from your pain." Christmas—Emmanuel—is God with you.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18
God offers genuine hope. Jesus’ birth at Christmas is the arrival of light into darkness. No matter how dark your circumstances seem, God’s light is more powerful.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 1:5
God offers strength for you today—your next step, even your next breath.
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
Christmas is especially for the weary, the grieving and those who are barely making it. If you are hurting, take your pain to God in prayer. Sit in His presence and warm your hands by the glowing fire of His promises. There is room for sadness, without pretense, even at Christmas. God meets you in your tears.
Allow Him to embrace you with His love and comfort. His arms are strong enough to hold your anguish and big enough to give you hope. Even if joy feels distant this year, let Christmas draw you near to God where He will give you an indelible peace, safely tucked away in the crevices of your hurting heart.
CLOSING PRAYER FOR THE BROKENHEARTED
Jesus, Light in the darkness, draw near to me this Christmas. You see my pain. You understand my sorrow. Wrap me in Your loving care. Hold me close in the comfort of Your arms. Give me strength to carry on and peace to sustain me. Amen.