“This isn’t what Christmas should look like!” The thought resonated through my mind as I took in the cold, white, barren room. The only hints of colour present were the pale yellow curtain next to the bed and my faded, blue hospital blanket. Shivering, I pulled the blanket closer and looked out the window. “At least there are Christmas lights in the distance,” I thought.

Oh, how I longed for the warm glow of the Christmas tree in the evenings. How my heart ached to hear my children’s squeals of delight as they counted down the days to Christmas. How I wished that I could feel my husband’s warmth when the nights grew cold.

Instead, I was stuck on bed rest in the hospital with a severe pregnancy complication. While others were crafting their Christmas lists, I wanted only one thing–for my baby to survive.

A tear fell as the reality hit hard; I was spending Christmas in the hospital this year. When everyone was gathering with their families, I was missing mine. I wished I could skip Christmas altogether.

And yet, in the midst of my sorrow, there was a tiny flicker in my heart–hope. Hope that my situation would improve, hope my Christmas could still be “merry” and hope that we would be celebrating our baby’s first Christmas the following year.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Ever so slowly, that hope blossomed, and I realized that I can choose to let my circumstances get the best of me, or I can make the best of them.

This attitude shift allowed me to count my blessings instead of focusing on my losses. I reflected upon the kindness shown to me by friends and strangers alike, and I was truly grateful for my family, who did their best to give me a merry Christmas. Most of all, I was thankful that my baby continued to be healthy and strong. My Christmas may not have been ideal, but God gave me the strength to get through it with a positive outlook.

Perhaps you can relate. Maybe Christmas looks different for you this year because you are coping with your own sorrow. Let me encourage you; you aren’t alone. There are many people who are hurting alongside you, who wish that their circumstances were different. And while we may not be able to change what’s happening around us, we always have hope. We can hope for a brighter future, and we can hope that our stories will touch the lives of those around us.

Dear friend, I am praying for you today. I am praying for peace in the midst of your trials and for the strength to face this holiday season and all of the days ahead.

Blessings,

Elise

“…but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4. (NIV)

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