It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Snow flakes may or may not fall where you live. Decorations can delight us with their sparkle, or we may sit in a space that looks sparse. But regardless of the atmosphere, it’s the season we celebrate the birth of Jesus. No matter where we are or how things are, the wonder of God becoming one of us to save each of us changes everything.

And yet, the holidays can be busy days or hard days. From what fills our calendar to what hinders our joy, we can hold on to more tension than faith.

So how do we hold on to Jesus through the holidays?

I asked this question decades ago, as tears fell from my childless heart. God’s answer both surprised me and met me where I needed Him the most. The Christ child’s birth was my reason for hope. He was the source of my strength and comfort during those years. He was my hope when I held our son on his first Christmas. And Jesus remains the focus of my hope today.

But on some days, before hope swells or joy bubbles up in my soul, my emotions need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and love. Encouragement from Scripture, a heartfelt prayer, or a reflection on God’s goodness resettles me in His truth. If you need your own resettling, I believe God will meet you where you need Him the most, too.

If you’re weary from an unmet longing or distant from your usual holiday cheer, I invite you to lean in. I pray these words will help you hold on to Jesus.

He is always holding on to us. And yet, we may not always feel His touch if we’re experiencing the numbness of g r i e f. It hit me years ago, when my mother passed away unexpectedly. It was shortly before Christmas, which was her favorite time of the year. Yet God used her legacy of faith to fuel mine. I held on to Matthew 5:4 (NLT),“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Joining a GriefShare support group brought much comfort my way.

But grief is not the only challenge during the holiday season. G a t h e r i n g s (or the lack of them) may bring their own brand of uneasiness. Who we see or don’t see in a room, or what we hope to avoid, can set the scene for us to know Jesus as Immanuel. The word means “God is with us.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Knowing He is with us can calm our fears. His wisdom is meant to guide our decisions. And His love comforts us when we long for what used to be. On busy days, during anxious moments, or lonely nights, what would change if we responded to God’s Presence? It helps me to remember His grace if my potluck dish has high expectations from a crowd. I need Immanuel when I wonder if the items on the wish list of my life will ever get done.

And yet, as we make new memories or keep old traditions, the beauty of the season never changes. If we take time to consider the Advent, g r a t i t u d e swells. There is wonder in the gift of Christ’s redemption. (Matthew 1:18-21)

Even as we look at a Nativity scene, we can see that God’s love burst onto humanity’s scene to save us from our sin and brokenness.

Friend, we may have a mixture of grief, gatherings, and gratitude this year. But when we choose to hold on to Jesus, it loosens the grip of what pulls us away from His touch. Because during the holidays or any day, there is plenty of hope to hold on to as long as we hold on to Jesus.

For more encouragement, enjoy these special series on the blog. Just click on the title to start reading or to share!

10 Simple Things That Can Bring You Joy at Christmas

Looking at a Stable Situation

7 Ways to Focus on the Joy of Christmas