Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year: a time of wonderful celebrations and joy! Or, at least that is the message that the world and the church portray. Mental health professional will tell you differently. This stretch of the calendar can be the most difficult for people.

1. For those who suffer from depression it is painful to be told and expected to be filled with joy and happiness. This season just seems to put more pressure on emotional systems that need pressure release instead.
2. For those in difficult economic times, the pressure to celebrate with material gifts, lavish meals, and parties means going deeper in debt. Carrying a big load of debt can bring worry and despair.
3. For those who have experienced the death of a loved one, this season is filled with grief, celebrating without the physical presence of one so dear.

 With the reality of the above scenarios, and many others, it may seem as if there is no hope. This would be true, if our hope is in "joy" and "happiness," or in "money," or the "avoidance of grief." But hope does not reside in any of those things that the world often looks to and depends on. The Apostle Paul, in his Letter to the Romans, tells us that hope resides in "the root of Jesse." Hope resides in Jesus Christ, who came to earth as a baby in a manger. Hope resides in Jesus, the Son of God, who was lifted up on the cross to forgive our sins and grant us eternal life.
 When we look to Jesus for strength and grace to live for today and tomorrow, then we will not be disappointed. Jesus can fill us with joy and peace by walking with us in our depression, helping us through difficult economic times, and weeping with us in our grief. Hope comes in and through Jesus this Christmas season, because hope resides not in anything we do, or anything in this world, but hope comes from God who loved us enough to send us Jesus as our Savior.

Prayer:Lord God, I confess that often I desire the things of the world, and I seek false happiness and joy, which never bring peace. Help me instead to trust you, your steadfast love and grace. I am so blessed to be the recipient of your passionate love in Jesus. Give me an open and trusting heart that welcomes my Savior and Lord into my life today. Give me a grateful and loving spirit. Amen.