Maybe you’ve been in this situation: You’re just going along on your way, and all of a sudden a sight, smell, sound or taste reminds you of a painful memory, a piece of your past or a bad experience.

Our senses have a funny way of reminding us of days gone by. For me, the sights and smells related to the time of year, the weather outside and the changing of the seasons have provoked memories, and sometimes they’re the not-so-good ones.

That being said, although Christmas time is often a joyful time for many, I’m not naive to the fact that it is a hard season for some people. If you’ve ever faced a trial during the holidays, it can be hard not to remember the old pain with each approaching December.

But this Christmas, I encourage you to focus on God and what he has done for us by sending Christ to the earth to save us. I’d encourage you to worship Him through your pain as you let His word fill your thoughts and let His love be your peace this holiday. I love this quote from a YouVersion devotional I read earlier this week, which puts everything into perspective and reminds us to focus on God:

“Although your circumstances may be difficult, or hard to understand at times, that doesn’t mean that God isn’t there. He cares about you and loves with a giant-sized love, and he’s waiting for you to let Him be your peace. So this Christmas, as you think about all the gifts you need to buy, and your never-ending to-do list, don’t forget to stop and remember that only God can provide you with the unwavering quiet strength that comes from his peace.”

One way to really keep Christ at the center of our holiday is to tune out the cute, holly-jolly, Rudolph-praising songs once in a while and tune in to Christmas songs that lift our spirits. My favorite Christmas song right now is O Come, O Come Emmanuel. And I LOVE the version by Phil Wickham. Please take a few moments and listen today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoshUj_lL50&sns=em.

Christianity christmas time Faith o come o come emmanuel overcoming difficulties Peace Trials true meaning of christmas trusting god