“How are you feeling about Christmas?”
I threw the question out on Facebook. The answers really surprised me. I know that Christmas is hard for many of you. We’ve had two tough seasons and now are walking into one of the hardest yet. . . but I had no idea how hard this is for so many of you.
One after another I heard comments like this: I just will be glad when it’s over.
For the next 10 days, I want to do something, sweet friends. I want to sit together around a virtual table and unpack this with you. I want to unpack those joy stealers that are robbing you of something beautiful, and find our way back to the joy Jesus promised — joy that cannot be taken from us.
I’m walking through a hard season as I say goodbye to someone close to me, and my heart is hurting but this is our truth:
Jesus promised joy not just at Christmas, and not just on the good days,
but even on our hardest days.
Does that make sense in the natural? It doesn’t. It’s something deeper.
This short series doesn’t have the power to make that situation or circumstance change, but it does have the power to draw us closer to the Source of our joy.
Will you join me?
You’ll receive a short encouragement for the next 10 days, leading into the holidays. We’ll pray about those things on our hearts, lean into our faith, and tap into a deeper joy that will hold us, launch us, and change us — even when our circumstances remain the same.
A resource just for you
JoyKeeper was written in sorrow and birthed in joy. Practical. Spiritually deep. Just for you.
JoyKeeper was written in sorrow and birthed in joy. Practical. Spiritually deep. Just for you.
Hello
Hello. I can say I am struggling with the holidays, my walk with Christ and relationships. This had been my favorite time of year, and for a couple of years I no longer feel that way.
You aren’t alone in that. Thank you for coming around the table.
I agree with Donna from Nov 17th at 11;57am. I am struggling with my walk with Christ and relationships. How do I get to be at the virtual table for the next 10 days and hear from you about JOY stealers.?
Hey Kim!
Thank you for this encouraging note. Yes, I am struggling . Yes, I will join with you 💖
Thank you Suzie. You’re writings really touch my spirit and soul. Many relationship changes have occurred in my life over the past two years I am looking forward to rediscovering the joy I love about the season. I have always really enjoyed it!
I love this, Donna. I see your heart!
Lord, meet Michele in this place and on this day. Draw her to joy. Draw her to the depths of who you are. In Jesus’ name.
I love Christmas because of celebrating Jesus’s birth and the gift of salvation through him. I get sad knowing I will be far away from my family.
It’s so hard to be away from those we love. Reaching with a huge hug. Thanks for joining in.
Hey Sweet friend. Yes, please count me in!
Love you Suz & I pray this series is a source of joy & comfort for many. ❤
Hey friend! I miss seeing your face. I’m so thankful for you.
Last year I spent two weeks in the hospital due to an error made by anesthesiologist during a surgery. It was over the Christmas holidays and with Covid my sister could not visit. This year I am scheduled for surgery on the 21st of December and could be in the hospital for a week the surgeon said. My only child, his wife and my year old grandson live out of state. I used to love Christmas but I am not even going to decorate or put up a tree. I will be alone at thanksgiving. I hate that I feel this way as I have always been the one making the plans and enjoying the entire season. Being alone is very hard especially during the holidays.
I am journaling the things I am grateful for and it is helping me as I write, reread what I wrote and thank God for all my blessings.
Hello – I should be excited and thankful that our kids will be home at the same time for Christmas. But instead I’m feeling apprehensive and scared about how everyone will get along.
Thank you for offering this series. I’m looking forward to joining with you!
Thank you for sharing that, Kari. I know you are not alone in that. Praying that this Christmas you will feel and sense overwhelming and supernatural peace as you go into this celebration, and as you step into it. Thanks for joining in!
Not looking forward to the season having lost my mom at the start of this year. We have been spending it together for so many years. This will be her first xmas in heaven.
Thank you dear Suzie!! I gladly join you. Christmas has been a struggle for many years. I am so looking forward to your encouragements. Your writings often touch my heart, my soul and my spirit!
I’m so thankful you are joining Mathilde!
Yes please!
I agree with Donna from Nov 17th at 11;57am. I am struggling with my walk with Christ and relationships. How do I get to be at the virtual table for the next 10 days and hear from you about JOY stealers.?
Please add me in. I know there is much joy found in Christ. I always need
more of his joy in my life.
Holidays are difficult especially Christmas. Would love to hear how to restore my joy during this special season. I say with David “Restore unto me the joy of your salvation” Please give more instructions on how to join in this adventure.
Hi Suzie, Yes Christmas is my favorite holiday I look so forward to but ends in depression instead. I have 3 grown daughters, that I love dearly, they can’t get along so it forces choices. Choices I have to make & it’s not fair. I’ve prayed for reconciliation for years. I’m having to have 2 different Thanksgivings & I’m sure 2 Christmas gatherings because of it. It’s hard…all I want to do is cancel all of it..go to bed & put the covers over my head till next year!! So yes please, any encouragement would be so helpful!!
Yes please add me as Christmas is made difficult with all the commercializing to make things perfect. My house is never perfect, my cooking never perfect, my family not all around , soo not an ideal perfect situation…
I know only through Jesus we have perfection, its just tough surviving at times. Thanks and Blessings to you, Richard and the whole Eller family!
Count me in! I love the Lord and I love celebrating Christmas with my husband, children and their families…But I always fight depression in December. I could use encouragement and prompts to pray!
Grace, Mercy and Peace be yours in Christ Jesus, our Lord
Thank you Suzie for sharing your words with all of us!! It really is helping me to get through this season. God Bless You!!