At this time of year, it’s tempting to think that everybody is enjoying a perfect Christmas. The truth is, there are thousands of people out there whose lives have been changed forever by death, divorce, sickness, and financial problems, and who may be struggling at this time of year.

Tammy Hanson Maltby wrote: ‘It was December 20. There was no hint of Christmas around our house…Most years, our tree was up the day after Thanksgiving…Christmas music…and luscious aromas filled the air…Our house had been Christmas central. Not this year…My 20-year marriage had just dissolved…My budget was stretched…and my spirit was strained even further. Some days I could barely manage to get out of bed…All four of my kids were home on Christmas break. And there was still no tree. “This is really depressing,” I heard one of them grumble, and my heart broke again. “I’ll get a tree tomorrow,” I repeated. Even I didn’t believe my words.

'That evening…I heard voices…in the…basement…There, near the piano, stood the scruffy little artificial conifer…I’d bought…years before, and I used it to hang [the kids’] school ornaments…creations that just didn’t look right on my majestic, fragrant, decorated, upstairs tree…The kids had…set it up, draped it with lights, and hung their childhood ornaments…It was still scruffy, but it was beautiful…I was happy…And overcome with gratitude that they had gotten together to make it happen for me.’

If you’re having a tough Christmas for whatever reason, don’t beat yourself up. Jesus understands. He came to ‘heal the heartbroken’, so turn to Him this Christmas and ask Him to restore your peace and joy.

What Now?

Do you know someone who’s having a difficult time this Christmas? What could you do to share some love and joy with them? Have a think about things like inviting them to watch a Christmas film, baking them some nice treats, inviting them to your church’s carol service, and so on.