At this time of year, it’s tempting to buy into the myth that everybody else is enjoying a picture-perfect Christmas. The truth is, there are thousands whose lives have been forever altered by death, divorce, sickness, and financial problems.

One woman who was recently divorced described how she got through that first Christmas. ‘It was five days until Christmas day, yet there was no hint of Christmas at my house. Usually, our tree and all the decorations were up at the beginning of the month. The house would be filled with Christmas music and the aromas of Christmas cooking would greet you when you opened the front door. My twenty year marriage had just dissolved. My budget was stretched, and my spirit was downhearted. Some days I could barely get out of bed. My adult children were expecting Christmas dinner as usual. When they came to visit, I heard one of them grumble, “This is really depressing,” and my heart broke again. “I’ll get a tree tomorrow,” I told them half-heartedly. The next day, one of my children took me Christmas shopping. When we got back home, my other children had put up a Christmas tree and all the decorations, including their childhood ornaments. It was beautiful. I was happy and overcome with gratitude that they had gotten together to set everything up for me.’

If you’re having a tough Christmas, don’t beat yourself up. Remember, God will give you strength for the day (see Deuteronomy 33:25). Jesus understands. He came to heal the heartbroken, so turn to Him this Christmas and ask Him to restore your peace and joy.