Have you ever felt alone in a crowded place? I remember one night being unintentionally separated from my family at a downtown Christmas tree lighting. There were hundreds of people everywhere... smiling, taking pictures with the sparkles of Christmas lights shining through their eyes...Merry music rang throughout the streets & sidewalks... while I waited and looked for my husband for what felt like forever. With no battery life in my phone to call him, my heart sank and I began to feel not just lost, but sad. In time, we were reunited...but I never forgot that feeling of being alone & lost in a crowd of merry people.

This holiday season, I believe that every day we encounter people who are not just experiencing a moment of loneliness, but a lifestyle. And no matter what season of life you’re in, we all have something that we’re believing to see change. Many people are lost, and really struggling with dark feelings and circumstances. Maybe you’re feeling that way this holiday season, and this year has sent unexpected blow after blow and you’re just ready for it all to be over. I remember feeling like that in 2018, and even spoke with someone today who is feeling that way as they grieve the loss of several loved ones a few weeks apart. It’s so important to acknowledge that not everyone feels happy this season.

Life is hard, and it’s okay not to feel merry by default this Christmas.

We all experiencing real life, real emotions and real disappointments. My encouragement to you is to take time to process your emotions. Don’t and find something to be thankful for.

If you’re it’s up to us to give our attention, encouragement and kindness to those around us. When we take the time to look up & speak up, we can make a difference in someone’s life. Ultimately, placing hope and trust in Jesus helps to bring light to those dark places.

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This week, my church is putting on a Christmas production that creates an environment where you can not only experience a spectacular show, but find a place to belong. So if you’re reading this, you’re invited! The shows are Wednesday - Sunday and are FREE for everyone. And if you’re out of state (Hey Texas!) you can host a watch party with your family to view together at home one night! Visit Christmas.victory.com or watch on YouTube. Our family will be attending and serving throughout the week, so let me know when you’re coming.

Most importantly, I want to encourage you: don’t spend the holidays alone. Don’t let those negative thoughts and emotions take over. Take some time to have fun, laugh, be a blessing to someone else, get around positive people and uplifting environments. Interrupt the darkness with light.

Wholeheartedly,

Emonne Markland