Intro to “Navigating Holidays, Enduring Trials” I started this newsletter with a Happy Holidays salutation, I did so knowing that some members may be going through difficult times. Whether it is a financial crisis, a health concern, grief over the loss of a loved one or something else, please know that you are not alone.  We all have different ways of coping…for some of us faith is the answer, for others it is spending time in nature and for still others it is being truly vulnerable and sharing our struggles with a trusted confidant. Below is an article submitted by one of our members who shares her trial and her source of comfort.

As I reflected on the holiday this weekend, after speaking with friends navigating tough seasons, I found myself thinking back to Christmases where I tried to enjoy the season while enduring trials. From a breakup years ago that felt like the end of my story to last Christmas Eve, when my husband and I went to Shady Grove for another fertility treatment—full of anticipation and hope—only to be met with disappointment.

I can still taste the celebratory coffee and Krispy Kreme donut we had after the appointment, believing this time it would work. But a few hours later, the call came: another negative result, another year without the baby we’d prayed for.

The holidays often stir mixed emotions. There’s joy and anticipation for the coming of our King, the family gatherings, the lights, the presents, and even the cookies. But in the middle of life’s hard seasons, those cherished traditions can lose their sparkle. The excitement that once filled this time can feel distant.

This year, we’re still waiting—still praying, still believing for our miracle. We know God is good and faithful, but here we are again, celebrating another Christmas without the baby we long for. Maybe your waiting looks different. Perhaps it’s for a relationship, healing, financial relief, or a breakthrough in a place you feel stuck.

If this resonates with you, I want to encourage you: don’t let the storms around you rob you of the joy and wonder this season brings. Christmas and Advent are about expectancy—waiting for the arrival of King Jesus. Mary didn’t expect her reality either, and her circumstances were far from ideal. Yet, God came in the most perfect way, in the most unlikely of circumstances, bringing about the greatest miracle of all.

Her story may not have unfolded the way she imagined, but God brought beauty from ashes. His timing is always perfect.

So if you’re navigating this Christmas season with unanswered prayers or watching others receive the very things you’ve been pleading with God for, take heart. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Stir up your faith and remind yourself why we celebrate: the promise that miracles can arise from the most unlikely and imperfect situations.

Over the next few days, embrace the little joys around you. Drive through neighborhoods to see the lights, bake your favorite cookies, curl up with loved ones to watch Christmas movies, or treat yourself to something special—you’re worth it.

Jesus is the reason we celebrate, and He wants you to find joy even amid hard times. When storms surrounded Him, He was calm, even asleep in the boat, showing us that peace is possible.

This season, even if the storm swirls around you, take a moment to rest. Enjoy Christmas. Pray daily for God to reveal His miracles—big or small—and keep your eyes open. You may just see one.