It's the most___________ time of the year . . .

What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made Him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned Him with glory and honor, and set Him over the works of Your hands. You have put  things in subjection under His feet. . . . Therefore in all things He has been made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining  to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:6-8,17-18)

Sadness . . . Disappointment . . . Separation . . . Illness . . . Death . . . All these things do not stay away during the CHRISTmas Season. 

They arrive just as do the relatives, friends, shopping trips, meal preparations, and oh yes, the financial costs! We live in a world where the celebrations are not void of disaster.    Bad things happen during good times. Not so pleasant memories arise right in the middle of the most joyous occasions. 

But thank God, for the CHRISTian, we have a Savior, a Friend right beside us who has been through it all and is ready and willing to not simply assist us but also to make a way through the situation. He will allow us to enjoy the festivities despite the not-so-pleasant memories or challenging circumstances. 

As He walks us through the valleys, I pray we can experience the JOY He brings to our world even this CHRISTmas Season!