It’s Hope Through Hard Times’ fourth birthday! Celebrate with us by discovering the exciting things in store this year. To find out what’s coming, look for all the green highlighted sections in this post!

Happy New Year! Explore this year’s theme and the joyful account of where it began.

Much like everyday life, and the ebb and flow of your assignments, the space between Christmas and New Years finds you in the mix of sorrow and joy. Perhaps this year was mostly filled with joyous memories and it’s hard to think about turning the calendar to a new year and all the unknowns of the future, producing a tension between joy and anxiety of the unknowns. Or, for you it might be that this year has been more sorrowful so the thought of turning the calendar brings you a bit of joy in anticipating that things will be better. You want to hasten closer to New Year’s and you’re doing anything you can to prepare for that new day. But the reality is that you can’t hold on to the past as it will always be just that: the past. And you can’t dictate your future. Only God can.…

As the hustle and bustle grows quiet, there’s this sweet spot of time between Christmas and New Year’s where you can take a deep breath and rest. Sure, there may be gatherings to attend, but overall, there’s a general sense of calm that comes with the holidays; a transition between the end of one year and the beginning of another. Before the expectations and wishes of the new year begin, come before the Lord with thanksgiving. Lay all the unknowns of the future and the memories of the past at His feet, and embrace the present with Him. The lyrics to the song, Bigger than I Thought by Worship Initiative are powerful:..

Christmas can be a blessing or a challenge depending on your circumstances. But there’s one thing that can make it special regardless. There’s a gift available to you that can change your difficulties and make them beautiful. Would you like a special gift this Christmas? If so, tune into this episode to hear what it is and how it has impacted both of our hosts!

During challenging periods, the true spirit of humanity often shines through as people come together to support one another. For many the acts of generosity can provide a glimmer of hope and a sense of unity to both the giver and the receiver. The question is how do you continue to give when you are faced with challenging times yourself?

Each received a message informing them that their lives were about to drastically change. The long awaited Messiah was about to arrive. Simple, fully human people prepared the way for the King of Kings to come. Were they prepared for His arrival in the reality of His little infant birth, and the responsibility that followed?

Today’s post is a prayer for those who are going through any kind of infertility this Christmas. May you experience Christ’s joy and peace more deeply as you look to Him.

Have you deeply studied the Christmas story? There are so many profound details to enjoy! Through a fictional description, today’s post offers a window into what Elizabeth’s story might have been like to get your mind and heart prepared for the upcoming birth of the Messiah.

Christmas is approaching and we are aware that many struggle with this holiday for various kinds of sorrows and expectations not feeling like they’re being met. Some are grieving the loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, or even the lack of one. Singleness is obviously hard at Christmastime as family and friends gather to celebrate and share memories of the year. This is no exception for Christians either. Is it possible to have peace and joy while being single? Rachel asks Natalie hard questions about this topic in today’s episode, and Natalie courageously shares the struggle in this, as well as offers solid encouragement and advise to those who empathize with her.