Countdown to ChristmasSample

Written by Bella, age 17 from Sugar Hill, Georgia, USA 

Christmas typically brings around a certain spark of joy and excitement that is different than the rest of the year. It is a time of family and joy. But, for some, Christmas can be hard. Especially if you’ve lost someone. For me and my family, Christmas is hard. My brother passed away about a year ago. When a holiday comes around, we are reminded even more that he is not here with us. There is an empty seat at our table, and it can’t be filled. Through my first Christmas without my brother, I learned something really valuable though: with Jesus there is always hope.

Last Christmas Eve we went to see my brother’s grave. On the way home, as the snow was falling, it hit me. Christmas isn’t a celebration that depends on the things we have; it is the celebration of hope coming into the world. And the hope we celebrate is Jesus! With Jesus comes God’s promise of life to the full, forgiveness, and love. Because Jesus came to save us. To save you. To save me. Knowing that doesn’t take away the fact that my brother isn’t with us right now, but it does help me see it differently. 

On the way home last Christmas Eve, I began to celebrate hope. The hope that Jesus brings. The hope of seeing my brother again. Because life with Jesus brings hope, even if things feel hopeless. And with hope comes joy and peace.

Is there anything that feels hopeless in your life this Christmas season? 

Today ask God to help you celebrate the hope you have in Jesus this Christmas, even when things might feel hopeless.  

Then ask someone you trust to remind you of this often.