I had visions of this adorable photo of all five kids in their Christmas jammies. This was the best we got.
But I think it’s the perfect example of how often life doesn’t pan out like we expect or envision. And this Christmas, I keep thinking of the many for whom Christmas is just bittersweet… or maybe plain sad.
I think of the kids in foster care who are separated from their parents and families this year.
I think of the women who have written me in the last few weeks about losing their husbands this year.
I think of the unmarried followers who thought surely they’d be sharing this Christmas with a special someone.
I think of the families who are struggling financially who couldn’t really afford to do much for Christmas this year.
I think of the moms who lost babies this year and the women who so desperately wish for a healthy pregnancy.
I think of the couples whose marriages are on the brink of divorce or the heartbroken person whose spouse walked out on them this year for someone or something else.
I think of the families with estranged loved ones who would give anything to get to celebrate with them this year — or even to just hear something from them.
I think of those undergoing chemo, those waiting for a difficult diagnosis, those who are in chronic pain, those caring for a loved one who is dying.
I just want you to know that if you are struggling with sadness or heartache or disappointment this Christmas, I see you. And I’m pausing to remember you, to hurt for you, and to pray for you. You are not forgotten.
And if you are having a wonderful Christmas season, I’m thrilled for you! But please remember to look around and show some extra love and kindness toward those for whom Christmas feels anything like the, “most wonderful time of the year.” The world could use a lot more kindness, empathy, and compassion.
P.S. If you are struggling this Christmas, I would be honored to stop and pray for you by name. Just leave a comment on this post or send me a message with your name and/or special request and I will take time to pray for you this week. Even in the middle of your pain and darkness, I want you to know that you are loved.
Julie says
I would welcome prayers. We had a house fire as well as a devastating cancer diagnosis this year. The first hospital almost killed my family member and it took all the prayers and angels to get him out of there safely. There is much to be thankful for in this time, as we have always had insurance, income, food on the table, working vehicles, loving family and friends and more. But a prayer ALWAYS helps.
Crystal Paine says
I just stopped and prayed for you.
C says
Please pray for my marriage. My husband left me a few days ago. I know I contributed to why but I want to save my marriage, praying that is God’s will too. Please pray to give me strength to do what God’s will is and for my husband.
Crystal Paine says
I am so sorry! I just stopped and prayed for you.
Jo Medlin says
Thank you in advance for your prayer. This is the first Christmas that I have been alone and not decorated since I was 13 years old. I am 63 now.. so for fifty years I made sure that wherever I called home I would decorate & celebrate Christmas. I left home when I was 14. My kids are now grown & my husband is in Heaven.
I have given my Lord thanks for the birth of His Son today. After all that is the true meaning of Christmas.
But it’s still lonely.
I’m cleaning out laundry room cabinets & other things to keep my mind positive and busy.
Again thank you,
Jo
Christine says
My heart goes out to you. I will pray for you, Jo. You are not forgotten! May God richly bless you and give you peace, even on a difficult day. Hugs!!
Diane says
I’m sending up a prayer for you, too.
Crystal Paine says
I just stopped and prayed for you.
Linda H. says
Thank you so much for this post!! While we’re incredibly blessed to have loving family nearby; a loving, supportive church family; a warm home; working vehicles; & good jobs, this year has been very difficult for us as well:
– in June (5 years & 1 month [to the day!] after miscarrying our baby boy, Abel, as 20 weeks gestation) I suffered an ectopic pregnancy that resulted in a ruptured fallopian tube, requiring emergency surgery & removal of the tube; we still have no living children after nearly 10 years of marriage & my arms feel so empty
– we lost 3 family members in my extended family (all in the same family) within a few weeks of each other (all from different causes, none from COVID)
– a friend’s husband died unexpectedly from COVID
– the mother of one of my brothers-in-law was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer; after her first chemotherapy treatments, she suffered a massive stroke
I’d crave your prayers as we walk through these hard trials, that we be sustained by God’s grace & sufficiency.
Crystal Paine says
I’m so sorry for everything you are carrying right now. I just stopped and prayed.
Lillian says
Beautiful family. Lovely post.
Thank you for your PS; such a kind, kind thing to read ♥️
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much!
Jen says
Merry Christmas! I usually don’t like to ask/request things but I was wondering if you could please pray for God to heal me. I used to be perfectly healthy about 4 years ago. I started having strange symptoms and its getting much worse. No doctor can figure it out or help me. I have been praying for years. I would definitely appreciate prayer. Thank you.. Bless you and your family!
Jen
Crystal Paine says
I just stopped and prayed for you.
Jen says
Thank you so much!
Stephanie says
Please pray for my family. I have a 21 year old daughter Madison who is rebelling and in a toxic relationship and doesn’t want anything to do with us this CHRISTmas. It’s hard and as her mom who was always so close to her for 20 amazing years, it’s so hard. I cry A LOT which is hard on my other 3 daughters. It’s also likely the last CHRISTmas with my 20 year old daughter McKenzie who joined the Navy and will have finished C school and be in the fleet likely overseas next CHRISTmas.
Crystal Paine says
I just prayed for you to know how to flood her with love and that she would feel God’s love through you.
Stephanie says
Thank you so much. And thank you for the original post. It was much needed.
Veronica Leigh Vatter says
I love that picture! Pictures like that are the memories that are the life of your family. Messy kids, crying babies, toddlers covered head to toe in mud, THOSE are what your kids are. Not the portrait studio pictures.
Love for Christmas for you and your husband and the kiddos!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much!
Ashley Virts says
That touched my heart. I just got back to the hospital to be with my husband who is here. I said goodbye to my kids who are with my parents. My daughter sobbing and me trying to hold it together while I needed to go. I had plans and traditions and instead I am trying to try to set up a more normal Christmas experience while we are not there Christmas morning. We are so blessed that we get to take him home where many families don’t get that opportunity but I am missing what Christmas was supposed to look like. It’s a season but I am so grateful for my little family!
Crystal Paine says
I just stoped and prayed for you and your husband and kids.
Andrea says
Thank you Crystal. I have much to be thankful for, but one of my daughters is estranged from our family.
Stephanie says
One of my daughters is estranged as well. I will pray for you all and please pray for us. This is so hard.
Diane says
I’m sending up a prayer for you and your daughter.
Crystal Paine says
I just stopped and prayed for you and your daughter.
Kathy A Mishler says
Thank you for your post. You are so sweet to think of others as you do. I pray for all of the mom’s and loved ones who are missing someone. I pray that everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas, and that no one is alone on Christmas day. Thank you for all you do for others.
Melinda says
I would appreciate prayers. I have a breast biopsy scheduled for the Monday after Christmas. I’ve struggled this month to not let the worry steal my joy. Please pray that the biopsy is negative.
Crystal Paine says
I just stopped and prayed for you.
JJ says
Praying for you, Melinda! I added an alarm to pray for you tomorrow, too. Jesus is near. ❤
Patti Smith says
Please pray for healing hearts in my family. Much appreciated! Such a lovely post…you radiate kindness!
Crystal Paine says
I just stopped and prayed for you.
Kimberly says
Thank you sooooooo much for this post!!!! 👐👐👐👐👐👐👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I have tears as I type…but they are joyful ones—from being recognized and honored. Our family is going through the biggest and longest nightmare we could ever imagine…and our hearts have been broken for waaaaayyyyyy too long. Thank you so, so, so much for paying for us!!! Wish I could give details, but I can’t.
lizzy says
Kimberly-I’m praying now for you and your family, for God to breakthrough the pain and bring healing and peace
Judy says
I will put you in my prayers also Kimberly. God bless you and your family.
Diane says
I’m sending up prayers for you and your family, too!
Crystal Paine says
I just stopped and prayed for you. I’m grateful this post encouraged you.