Has it ever occurred to you that Jesus knows what you’re going through? He knew what it was to be poor, and even homeless. On one occasion, He said, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Luke 9:58).

We remember this especially at Christmas, because Jesus couldn’t have been born in poorer circumstances. His birthplace was a stable; Mary and Joseph were so poor they couldn’t afford the customary sacrifice for dedicating the child to the Lord; later, they had to flee to Egypt because King Herod was determined to kill Him. The Bible says that Christ, “being in very nature God… made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7).

The point is this: Jesus Christ understands your fears and your heartaches, because He experienced them in His own life. And that’s why you can turn to Him for the strength you need to face the future with hope. Christmas reminds us that God loves us and cares for us. He loves us so much He was willing to send His Son into the world for our salvation.

This Christmas ask God to help you focus on Christ and His love for you, and not just on your problems. And take time each day to thank Him for everything you do have because of Him. Then trust Him to guide you to a better future.