I feel that way too. I don't want to set up the Christmas tree, but I will. I'll celebrate what Christmas is all about. Listen to the songs that tell about Jesus's birth: why He was born - for our sin and the sin of our EC. Someday may they feel the leading of the Holy Spirit to come back to Him and us. For now let's hold onto the peace that God gives.
Phillip. 4:6&7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Giving thanks is the hard part. Give thanks for the good things right now and give thanks that God will never stop working on our EC's hearts.

The holiday season is sad for many people for all different reasons. How true,feeling, about giving thanks. There are always blesdings to count As sad as those of us are in missing our EC I always think that things could always be worse. We have the Lord.

edr, There is nothing wrong with keeping things more simple some years. I am doing that this year. It may give us more time to focus on the real meaning of Christmas. I plan to attend a concert next week and focus on Him. Do you have anything like that you could attend? I know I need it.

edr, you are not alone in those feelings. we have to refocus our thoughts during this time…as feeling and lindajoan mention, it's a time for us to focus on the Lord and being thankful for what we do have. Love the scripture Feeling shared…we can go to God--he already knows the pain we feel--He felt it, too...

As I work on focusing on Him, this morning I'm thinking on Phil 4:10-13 (Christians can be content in any circumstance)… "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at the length you have revived your concern for me. you were indeed concerned for me, you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Is there a way that perhaps you could "adopt" a family in need this Christmas? Even though it's for my own selfish reasons, I adopted a family that I'm purchasing for and it has brought me some moments of joy picking out the toys, looking at children's clothes, etc… I hope to bless them as much as God is blessing me through it. Yes, I still would love to do this along with enjoying my daughter, but she doesn't want me and there's nothing I can do about it, but I still want to say yes to whatever God would have me do--it's hard, but I know He understands. I do have a gift for my Kate and I'm knitting her something homemade--it will be in a box that I'll tuck away until she will receive it.

God Bless you through this difficult season.
XO

I have pretty much overcome those feelings by reading my Bible. My focus is on Jesus. So for holiday times, I focus on being thankful for what I do have and on the reason for the season. This is also an important time to eat healthy, exercise and get enough sleep! Do I sound like a mother? Ha! Well, it is so true. We must take care of ourselves (the temple) in order to combat the depression and defeat!

Just had to say it is a true blessing to share, here. The reminder given from the Word, "to be content" is such a key. By God's grace one day at a time we can learn to be. A key is to stay close to Him through His Word and prayer. A word that I keep reading in our posts is "refocusing". Keeping our hearts and minds upon God and His goodness day by day. Putting Him first is His desire. Again, it is not natural and the enemy will fight us and lie to us but remember the battle belongs to the Lord.

The practical reminders to care for our body are so important, too.

Oh, I know how you feel. I turn the channel when a commercial about Christmas comes on, I turn the radio when I hear Christmas music. I have been praying to God for a Christmas miracle with my sons. The last 2 Christmases have been horrible. I just want to celebrate Jesus's birth with my kids. I just want my kids to be happy & to have God in their lives. I cant force either to happen. There is still 18 days left, maybe I will get my miracle. I hope somehow ALL of us can celebrate Christmas with happy hearts.

I think if you hope too much for specific miracles, then you might not be able to see the real miracles that happen.

Good words of wisdom, Alana.