Christmas used to fill you delight. You remember the joy of your kids waking up at 6 am on Christmas morning, sneaking down the stairs to spy on their gifts. The smiles and hugs with cherished family members during Christmas parties. Laughing with dear friends as you celebrate the season. You felt full.

Now you feel empty.

Christmas reminds you of what you’ve lost. The loved ones who’ve passed on. The friends who moved across the country and fell out of touch. The kids who grew up and had families of their own—and their own memories to make on Christmas Day.

It hurts to think of all you used to have. You’re left with a hollowness in your stomach, while everyone else seems to be bursting with Christmas cheer.

Jesus understands how excruciating it is to deal with loss. When his friend Lazarus died, Jesus grieved. He felt the same pang of loss you feel. He cried. But things didn’t end there: Jesus brought Lazarus back to life.

We might not be expecting our lost loved ones to rise up from the dead this Christmas. So, what does this story mean for us today? How can we experience life when we feel so much loss during the Christmas season?

God wants to give us hope—this season and always. Jesus loves you so much that was willing to be born as a baby so you can have life. Jesus says, “I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness. I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep” (John 10:10b-11).

Jesus was born and died so you can live life in all its fullness. He wants to give you faith, joy, and peace during your holiday season. Take some time to quiet your mind and reflect on the gifts God wants to give you this Christmas:

Jesus wants to give you eternal life.

"I am telling you the truth: those who hear my words and believe in him who sent me have eternal life. They will not be judged, but have already passed from death to life." — John 5:24

Jesus wants to give you direction in this world.

“I am the light of the world,” he said. “Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.” — John 8:12b

Jesus wants to give you faith.

"For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it." — Ephesians 2:8-9

Jesus wants to give you joy.

"I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."  — John 15:9,11

Jesus wants to give you peace.

"Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid." — John 14:27