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8 Words of Encouragement for You This Holiday Season

By December 17, 2022December 19th, 2022Blog

It’s officially Christmas time! Stockings are hung, the tree is up, and many of us are reflecting back on the year coming to a close.

We don’t know what your year looked like. Whether it was filled with joy, filled with pain, or a confusing mixture of both, we want you to know you are not alone. Above all, we want to remind you that our God is walking this journey with you. Right by your side, He is with you every step of the way.

To close out the year, we asked each member of our National team to share a simple word of encouragement that has been on their heart. Today we’d love to share each of their responses with you. Our prayer is that these words would be encouragements for you to hold onto this holiday season!

Here are some encouraging words from our hearts to yours:

Friend, are you weary? I know the feeling. Sometimes by the time December rolls around it feels like we have to drag ourselves across the finish line. You are not alone. I am reminded of Romans 8:19, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the son of God.” I can’t help but consider how much more meaningful it is to celebrate the Savior of the world being born into human flesh when we are feeling the weight of our own humanity. As we close the chapter on this year, the weary world rejoices! We can look forward in gratitude to the promises we receive through Christ. Thank you for being here in this space with us!

– Sarah Wilson, Community Specialist

I love this time of year! Not only because of the holiday traditions, the smell of candles, our Christmas tree, and fresh baked pies in the oven. My love for this time of year is also not only because of the sounds of the Christmas music that fills my home, the crackling of the fire, or the old handmade-by-kids Christmas ornaments on the tree, but I love this time of year because it always makes me reflective. As I reflect, I can’t help but see the Goodness and Faithfulness of God. What about you? How has God grown you this year? How has He shown Himself faithful? Let’s not forget to “Be still and know that He is God” and rest in the fact that He will never leave us alone! Know that we at TFI are for you, and cheering you on!
– Jami Kaeb, Founder and Executive Director
I hope that no matter what the end of the year brings—excitement, fear, sadness, joy, grief—you will lean on God through it all! As 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Remember that God loves you and cares for you, no matter your circumstance. Thank you so much for following along with TFI over the last year! We truly hope that these articles have brought you value and helped you in one way or another. Looking forward to next year!
– Mitch Nelson, Creative Director
I’m not sure what your year has looked like nor what’s in store for the next. What I do know is that Christmas is good for the soul, reminding us each year of the goodness and kindness of our God in making a way for redemption. Galatians 4:4-5 tells us of His love and care: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” God came to us in our time of need in sending His Son, Jesus. And He still is with us, helping us, walking with us, and working in us through His Spirit. He has offered us a new identity and a secure hope for the future. So, whatever this season or year ahead brings, know that you are loved and you are valuable. God has done it all. So, rest in Him. Thank you for giving us a space to share what we’re learning about and from God through His Word and the circumstances He’s placed us in.
– Holly Gnuse, Ministries Director

For some of us, this was a difficult year. Maybe you’ve experienced loss, heartache, or disappointment. Maybe you still feel like you’re in the midst of some of those things. If that’s something you can relate to, let these verses restore your hope.

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

God is creating pathways through impossible circumstances, friend. He is always in the process of creating and doing more for his children. Let’s enter the new year in expectation of the pathways and streams instead of the wilderness and wastelands. I believe God has special things in store just for you – handcrafted perfectly for your life. He is doing a new thing and we get to be a part of it!

– Becky Nelson, Executive Assistant
As the year comes to an end, remember that our Joy and Peace comes from God, and He offers it to us with abundance. Alongside Paul, my prayer echoes Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Here at TFI, we can’t wait to see what is to come next year, as Jesus keeps stepping in and giving hope to the foster care community!
– Quinn Brewer, Creative Content Producer

Honestly, this year has been a tough one for our family. We’ve experienced a lot of change and newness within a short period. We’ve seen both the beauty and brokenness of foster care. I love Christmas because it reminds us that Christ came to us! To be with us and to walk with us through the beauty and the brokenness.

Maybe this has been a tough year for you as well. As we approach the Christmas season, may you be reminded that Jesus truly is “Emmanuel,” God with us. Thank you for journeying with TFI!

– Chandler James, Advocate Coach

Venture into Christmas this season with God’s word from John 1:5 tucked in your heart, that “the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” The very reason we celebrate is the arrival of eternal, all encompassing, extinguishing of evil—hope—in the darkest possible places. When you sing the carol this year about the little town, sing with bold assurance, “Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.” No matter how dark the streets may be, God’s light shines through all adversity everywhere to everlasting through the one that was born in Bethlehem.

– Liz Archambault, Advocate Coach

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