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How many times have I heard the words "Help me with this" during my childhood? Being raised by a single Mother for a period of time in my pre-teen days, I heard these words from my Mom over and over again. Sometimes I helped to unload groceries from the car, or clean the bathroom, iron my clothes, or even change the diapers of a younger sibling.

"Help me with this," words I had all but forgotten until I sat alone one night watching a Christmas movie. The Mom in the movie sat down beside her son with her back to him and said "Help me with this." He dutifully unclasped her necklace and handed it to her.

Instantly an arrow of grief shot through my heart as that act took me back to the many times my mother and I played out the same scene. To my surprise, hot tears coursed down my cheeks. My dear Mother has been with the Lord for more than a decade, yet in a moment like this, the enormity of my loss comes rushing back and is overwhelming.

If you suffer the dual pain of grief and loss during this season of Jingle Bells and Joy to the World; if precious memories of days gone by and days missed leave you shackled in chains of regret, then look up. This very season, which besets you, holds the secret of your relief from sadness, depression, and grief.

The secret is the real meaning of Christmas! The secret lies in a lowly manger in a far away place and time. This secret became the Savior of the world, your Savior. Because of His life you have hope in the midst of sorrow, peace in the center of your storm, and love that will not fail you in a loveless world.

It is written that, "He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief" (Isaiah 53:3 NLT).

Jesus understands your sorrow having borne His own. He knows what it is to grieve when those around you revel in the joys of the season. You may share in the fellowship of His suffering but remember God's promise, "Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning" (Psalm 30:5 NLT).

The Prophet Nehemiah wrote, "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!" (Nehemiah 8:10 NLT).

So try not to dread the Christmas season by dwelling on loss. Embrace the season because of what it actually represents. A child, a savior, a friend who sticks closer than a brother came into this world for you!

He will lead you out of darkness into His marvelous light! Let every Christmas light you see bring to your mind His eternal promise to you. "When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am" (John 14:3 NLT).

It's natural to think, "That is easier said than done." Well then do what I do. Look to our Savior Lord Jesus and say from the depths of your broken heart, "Lord, help me with this."