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Today is the day before Christmas. Tonight, Christmas Eve unfolds around the world, lights twinkle in windows, carols echo through the air, and families gather to celebrate. For many of us, this night brings warmth, joy, and togetherness, a reminder of the love that binds us and the miracle of Christ’s birth. But as we bask in this season’s beauty, it is essential to acknowledge that Christmas Eve can also be a difficult time for many. Please read more.

Christmas day is a time of joy at our house. When our 5 adult children, their spouses, and their 9 children are here, it can be loud and chaotic. My wife is of German heritage, so, for the past forty years we have prepared a delicious meal consisting of wiener schnitzel, spätzle, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, fresh rye bread, accompanied by Riesling wine. It’s a feast, surrounded with love and laughter. But I fully realize this is a blessing that is not shared by all.

Tonight, on Christmas Eve, some will be alone. There will be empty chairs at dinner tables and hearts heavy with grief from loved ones lost. Others will sit in silence, feeling the ache of separation from family and friends. On this special night, far too many people will be chained to their addictions and living with a sense of hopelessness and despair. Some victims of hurricane Helene will be still living in tents. Around the world, countless people will face unimaginable challenges: homelessness, hunger, and the shadow of war. The pain and despair that mark their days will stand in stark contrast to the celebration of hope and light that Christmas represents.

To those carrying these burdens tonight, know this: the message of Christmas is for you. The birth of Jesus Christ was not announced in a royal palace or to the wealthy and powerful but in a humble stable to ordinary shepherds. The Savior of the world came not to live in luxury, but to walk among the hurting, the broken, the lost, and the forgotten. His very presence among us is a reminder that God sees you, loves you, and meets you in your need.

The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds on that first Christmas night was, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10). This good news was not reserved for the privileged few; it was—and still is—for all people. It is for the grieving parent, the lonely soul, the refugee in a war-torn land, and the homeless person searching for shelter on this cold night. It is for each one of us, wherever we are, whatever we are facing.

Christmas is a time to remember that the light of Christ shines brightest in the darkness. Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). This promise offers hope that even in our most challenging moments, we are not alone. God’s love reaches into every corner of the world and every broken heart, bringing comfort and peace that transcends understanding.

For those of us who are able, let this day be a call to action. Christmas is not merely a time to celebrate; it is a time to embody Christ’s love. The beauty of the Gospel is reflected when we extend kindness to the stranger, share a meal with the hungry, or simply offer a listening ear to someone who feels unseen. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2).

If you are struggling this day, remember that “God is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:19). “He knows your pain and collects every tear” (Psalm 56:9). Reach out to Him in prayer, even if words fail you. Let His presence be your comfort and His promises your strength.

And if you find yourself surrounded by loved ones this evening, take a moment to thank God for His blessings. Consider how you might extend the joy you feel to those who need it most. A kind word, a small act of generosity, or an invitation to share in your celebration can make a profound difference in someone’s life.

This evening, as we await the dawn of Christmas morning, let us remember that the heart of this season is Emmanuel—God with us. In Jesus, we find hope for the hopeless, peace for the troubled, and joy that no circumstance can take away.

May this Christmas be a reminder of the unfailing love of our Savior. May this be a reminder that in the Child of Bethlehem, God comes to meet us in our suffering, with a message of hope. Let His light fill your heart, and may you carry it into the world, radiating His grace and compassion wherever you go. The message of Christmas is one of love, and it is through acts of kindness and compassion that Christ’s love is made manifest.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Whether you are rejoicing, mourning, or simply holding on, please know that Christ came for you. You are deeply loved, and His light will never fail.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Your Son Jesus. He is the Word become flesh! He is the Messiah! He is the Savior of the world. He is the King of Kings! On this Christmas Eve I once again profess Him as my Savior and welcome Him into my heart. Father, send forth your Holy Spirit to guide me in the ways of Your Son. Amen!

AMDG 

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Brian Pusateri

Brian is a Christian author and speaker. Brian, a lifelong Catholic, felt his life was forever changed when God spoke to his heart while attending an eight day silent Christian retreat in November of 2011. Soon after that retreat Brian founded 4th Day Letters and Broken Door Ministries. With the God inspired message of mercy and unconditional love that was placed on his heart during that retreat, Brian has been impacting others all over the country and around the world with his weekly letters, his talks, and his all day Christian retreats. In June of 2014, Brian’s life was again impacted in a very dramatic way when his eyesight suddenly became permanently impaired. The initial diagnosis was Multiple Scleroses (MS) but in December of 2019 the diagnosis was corrected to MOG antibody disease, a rare neurological disease. This health challenge has only served to draw Brian closer to God and bolster the importance of this timely yet ageless message.

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