And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. – Matthew 28:20

The holiday season can bring feelings of joy for a lot of people. The frosty weather inspires hot chocolate, wooly sweaters and ice skates. The smell of pine trees and cinnamon candles can warm the soul and the body. Christmas carols can light a face up – and motivate jubilant feet to dance.

However, unfortunately for some or a lot of us, the holiday season is a very lonely place.

Rooms that loved ones once filled with laughter are now quiet.

The companion, you so wish to have, is nowhere in sight.

Expenses are tight. Though, you rummage up extra pennies to make your child’s Christmas special, you have a deep seeded fear you just won’t provide enough.

Pictures of snugly babies on the internet make you despair and worry about your future. You covet something that isn’t yours at this moment in time.

Hold fast. I know those words do not provide any comfort to the hurting right now {believe me, I have been where you are} and feasted on the saltiness of great pain. However, I have also tasted the side of happiness. Delight is a much sweeter meal. But, the trouble is setting aside the sorrow, so we can gain the true joy.

We all know the reason for the season is to celebrate Christ {our Savior’s birth}. Well, Dear-heart, Christ is the only one who can ease our pain, loneliness and grief. He can also fuel our joy. Have you read the verse, “He gives beauty for ashes?”Isaiah 61: 3 states, ‘He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, and festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.”

But, how do we get to the point of discarding our fear and uncertainty – so we can cling onto the Lord’s garment of praise?

Truly Believe He Has The Best For You. So often times, Jeremiah 29:11 gets over quoted and overused to its detriment. You quickly say, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” But do you digest this wonderful promise? Do you meditate on it? Do you picture your Savior cradling you in the palm of his hands and singing this truth to you? It makes a difference. When the lonely bug hits, think on Jesus, who is the author and perfector of our faith and life. Think on his character and his love for you. The Center of the Universe has stated, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Embrace it. Feel it. Let his deep love engulf you.

Focus on God’s Goodness. Often times, we tend to fixate on the bad. We think of things we don’t have – or lives we wish we were living. You are you for a reason. No fingerprint is the same. No personality either for that matter. You are like a fine portrait framed to display the beauty of your Maker’s hands. What is good in your life – surely you can list a few things? Are you thankful for your job, your family and friends? How about the eyes that God has given you to see – and the hands he has filled with the beautiful sense – to touch.

Think On The Future – But Don’t Covet Someone Else’s. The future is great. It is better to think on the future than grieve a past life or past mistake. God has told you that you are a ‘new creation’ in him. No longer an ugly duckling – you are a swan with beautiful wings designed by your maker. However, no swan is the same. Some swans might have shorter beaks. Others might live in different climates.  But that does not mean one is better than the other. Just like the swans, your life is different for a reason. Rejoice in your unique life – for no one can live it like you!