“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).
Matthew 1:23 ESV

Today is the day.

I sit here staring at the twinkling white lights on my Christmas tree as “Silent Night, Holy Night––All is calm, All is bright,” rings softly in my ears. But I’m struggling to stay calm and things don’t feel so bright. There’s a knot in my stomach and a choke in my throat as I walk through this day with a weight on my chest that I can't bear on my own. The beauty and the pain of the season intertwines together. And I wonder if this is what it truly means to hold joy in one hand while grief weighs heavy in the other.

On December 17th (one year ago), my father took his last breath on this earth and crossed over into his eternal home. His favorite time of year was Christmas. He loved all that it represents, especially the celebration of our Savior's birth. Maybe that’s why I feel such mixed emotions during this season?

As I quietly pray for help, God reminds me of the scripture found in the New Testament announcing the birth of Christ: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us)––and comfort fills my soul.

The reality is, Jesus came into the world in the most unlikely way. The King of Kings was born into poverty, not wealth. And instead of a crown, a bounty was placed on His head. It was not pretty and it was not ideal. There was struggle. There was suffering. And there was hardship. These are the places He entered into, and it is the same place He enters today.

As I remember this truth, peace envelopes the pain. I know that He is my Immanuel––My God, who is with me in my heartache. Because I know He is with me, I breathe a deep sigh of relief. I know there is hope. And I know that I can find comfort in His presence, as well as in all of the promises found in His Word.

Friend, if this Christmas season finds you with a heavy heart, holding disappointment, or reeling from loss, can I encourage you with the assurance that Jesus is with you too? He came just for you––even now, even here––and He will never leave you.

Prayer

Dear Father,

We cry out to You. Our hearts are heavy and hurting. The loss is too great to bear, and we need Your strength to endure it.

Your Word exclaims that You are near the brokenhearted and that You save those crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Please be near us, Sweet Jesus.

Comfort us as only You can. Help us to grasp the breadth, length, depth, and height of Your love for us as You wrap us with Your presence (Ephesians 3:18).

We may not understand the circumstances surrounding our pain. But we trust You. Help us to trust You with all our hearts. Fill us with Your peace that passes all understanding as You guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Thank You for being our Immanuel. Our God with us––right here and right now. We are grateful that You chose to become a man of sorrows, and You are well acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). Your compassion never fails (Lamentations 3:22).

Fill us with Your living hope. May we praise You with a new song as You restore our joy.

We lift our hearts to You in honor and praise for all that You have done, for what You are doing, and for what You will do. We love You, Lord.

In Jesus Name, Amen.