Not everything about Christmas is mistletoe & holly, or sugar & spice. Sometimes the season brings dashed hopes and broken hearts. We may have recently lost loved ones, or have broken relationships, or family that live far away. Our celebrations can feel bittersweet. So how do we hold on to hope when our hearts are hurting?

We start at the source of our hope.

Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!‬‬

Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭TPT

We let go of our lives and our expectations, and hold tight to Jesus.

If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.‬‬

Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭37‬ ‭NLT

We rejoice in Jesus, knowing he is the one who guards our heart and our mind. And we pray.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.‬‬

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV

We take action.

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.‬‬

1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT

We keep the peace.

Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good. Love each other as brothers and sisters and honor others more than you do yourself. Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord. Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying.

Take care of God’s needy people and welcome strangers into your home. Ask God to bless everyone who mistreats you. Ask him to bless them and not to curse them. When others are happy, be happy with them, and when they are sad, be sad. Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you know more than others. Make friends with ordinary people. Don’t mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others, and do your best to live at peace with everyone.‬‬

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭18‬ ‭CEV

I pray your hopes will grow to fruition and your hurts will be soothed by the Savior. I pray the memories of your lost loved ones will be memories of joy. I pray your prodigals will find their way home, and that those who are distant, be it physical or emotional, will feel the warmth of your love.

May you have a Merry Christmas!

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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