This Is no Hallmark movie.

This hurts. You had high hopes for the holiday and something spoiled it. Family conflict. Financial tension. Physical distance. A million things can go wrong. When it happens at Christmas, it’s amplified.

And at Christmas it’s all the more important to remember what’s good in your life. Got someone to love? A warm bed? A Christmas dinner? There’s a start! Oh, and by the way, God loves you!

So in spite of the pain, enjoy Christmas anyway!

No matter how bad it gets, we’ve got something to be thankful for. Since there’s no such thing as perfection this side of heaven, something will go wrong. When it does, we can choose to focus on it, or remember what we’re celebrating.

Jesus came to save us. Christmas has been celebrated for centuries and remains the most wonderful time of the year!

God gave us the ultimate gift: His Son! We can emulate Him by giving our gifts of time, attention, and yes, presents! By giving, we’re more like God! And He’s bigger than any problem!

So despite distress, despite imperfections, come on! Rejoice!

It’s Christmas!