Rejoicing

During this season of Advent, we are called to rejoice. The readings speak of it, the songs mention it, and it's brought up in the sermons. But what happens when we don't feel that is for us?

What if we we are having a hard time with money, and we just can't afford to have a nice Christmas? What if someone dear to us has passed away, and we find ourselves missing them more during the Holiday season? What if this is the first Christmas without someone, perhaps a child, or a parent? What if we find ourselves lonely or are rejected by our family?

For some, the Holiday season is hard. Those are the people who need us. Those are the people we need to reach out too, and who need to see that there is something to rejoice about. Those are the ones who need hope. Jesus is that hope. Jesus comes into our hearts on Christmas so that we have something to rejoice about. He is our comfort. He is our strength. He gives us a purpose in this world. He fills our hearts when they are empty. He provides when we are broken, sad, or mourning.

If you are hurting this Holiday season, if you feel that rejoicing is not for you, take comfort in Christ. Let others reach out to you, and be open to the hope that comes from Christ Jesus.