By Lois Hewitt

For those of you struggling with Christmas spirit this year, you are not alone.

And it’s okay.

The weight of life can get heavy at times.  Sometimes you just cannot feel the joy of the season.

And it’s okay.

Money is tight.  Health is in question.  Situations are difficult.  Grief and loss are everywhere.

You can force yourself to be jolly.  To pretend all is well.  If that works for you, great.

If that doesn’t work, allow yourself to really rest.  Forget the guilt of what you think you should be doing.  Leave the stress outside in the cold.  Comfort yourself with a cup of hot tea, a warm blanket and a good book.  Or whatever brings you comfort as long as it nourishes your soul.

Allow yourself to not conform to the expectations of the season.  Do what is right for you, without guilt.

I tend to forget that Christmas isn’t about parties, gifts and busyness.  It’s about the most important event in the history of mankind…the birth of Jesus.

It may, in fact, not be the real date of His birth but it is a celebration of that birth.  The birth of the One who came to earth to give the greatest gifts of all…His love, His salvation and His grace among other things.

But because He is human and also God, He understands where you are right now.  He sees your tears, He hears your cries, He feels your pain and He loves you. He knows why you feel like you do.

I know sometimes it doesn’t feel like it, but there is a plan. Now I know, depending where you are right now, that doesn’t always help.  I get that.

But I have found in my darkest times, if I can be patient enough to ride out the storm, He will calm the winds and the seas of that storm.  He will.  I have experienced it so many times.

In those storms, I have learned the value of taking care of myself.  During the stress, your body is under attack.  Many diseases come from the ravaging effects of stress.

So if you are struggling, let go of the guilt.  Let go of the expectations. Hold onto good and healthy food.  Fresh air.  Sunlight.  Comfort.  It is perfectly okay to take it easy when things are really hard.

And most importantly don’t turn away from the One who loves you. He promised to never leave or forsake us.  Hang onto Him tighter than ever during the difficult season, whether its Christmas or any other day.

Things will improve.  The sun will rise again.  Be gentle with yourself yet strong in your faith. You are not alone. And you are stronger than you can ever imagine. You are a warrior!