Sometimes the holidays are hard – and the joy of the season doesn’t come easy.

Maybe it’s the loss of a loved one. Or challenging finances. Or the heaviness of the news. Or a recent diagnosis. Maybe memories from a painful childhood get stirred up this time of year.

Whatever the reason, it can be difficult to step into the light and laughter when our hearts feel so heavy.

If there are tears… let them flow. Feel the hurt, honor the grief, and know that you are not alone.

“The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

(Psalm 34:18)

Oh how we need this hope. Oh how we need this Jesus.

Son of God – born in a manger. Still drawing near to us today.

May He meet you exactly where you are this year. Whether it’s in celebration or in sorrow.

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Crying for a Christmas
Scott Krippayne/Jeff Peabody

These are the lives of the rearranged
Scattered souls who have been displaced
With nowhere else to turn

Like Bethlehem we’ve packed the place
Human need fills every space
No room at the inn
Still God found a corner
Made a bed down in the hay
Could he reappear, make his advent here
Will he still draw near today

My world is crying
Crying for a Christmas
Some way to know for sure that our God is with us
We could all use a sign, a little glimpse of divine
For a world that still cries for Christmas

Feeding trough on a dirty floor
Unimpressive welcome for
God Almighty’s Son
Are we as blind to incarnation
Daily proof of our salvation
Love’s already come

We are not abandoned
All alone in our despair
He who once came down, He can still be found
Every when and everywhere

Chorus

Joy to the world the Lord has come
Joy to the world the Lord has come
Joy to the world the Lord has come, the Lord has come

Jesus you are here, Jesus you are now
Jesus you are here, Jesus you are now

Our world is crying
Crying for a Christmas
Some way to know for sure that our God is with us
We can all be the sign that His love is alive
For a world that still cries for Christmas