Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. At least that is what the song says! Is it? Yes, it is in many ways. All the laughter, the food, the candlelight, the carols!  Decorating the tree, or these days – trees!  Wrapping the gifts and listening to the giggles and excitement as children open them.

For many, this year is difficult. I am praying with and for several people who have lost significant loved ones this year. My heart aches for them, and my tears stream for them. Grieving can be the most difficult time for people who are trying to balance the feelings of pain and loss, while going forward with everyday life.  I found this to be true when we lost our son Bryan.

Sometimes we find ourselves mourning on Christmas morning. If you are in grief, especially fresh grief, it’s okay not to feel that it is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s doesn’t make you a grinch, it makes you a person in pain.

God is hugging you today. He understands where you are, and He cares about every tear. Jesus Christ left the splendor of heaven, and was born as a babe into a world that was dark and broken. He became Immanuel – God with us. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER WILL JESUS LEAVE US! He will be with us in good times and bad times, in sickness and in health, in success and failure, in poverty and prosperity, in joy and sorrow.

He will be with you in Christmas mourning  and on Christmas morning.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” –  Psalms 34:18