As a single dad, I spent many Christmas Eves alone. While I wrapped presents for my son, I sometimes wondered what he might be doing. Was he watching Christmas movies? Was he baking cookies? I wondered if my son was thinking about me and if he missed me like I missed him. I couldn’t help but wish he was in my living room, spending Christmas Eve with me.
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And loneliness wasn’t the only problem. I also often struggled with self-doubt, questioning if I had done enough to make Christmas day special. I wanted Christmas at our house to be as meaningful as everyone else’s.
Christmas is called the most wonderful time of the year, but for single parents it’s not easy keeping the joy of the holiday alive while also doing the work of two people. It requires juggling bills, schedules, emotions and expectations. Single parents work hard to make the holiday fun but often worry about the struggle their children are experiencing while bouncing back and forth during the “holiday schedule.” They smile through the pain, even when their own hearts feel empty.
‘God sees you’
If you’re a single mom or dad struggling with the pain of the holidays, I want you to know — God sees you. He knows every late-night tear, every whispered prayer, every moment when you say, “Lord, I don’t know how I’m going to make it.” And His answer to you this Christmas is simple but powerful: “Peace. I am your peace.”
Jesus doesn’t just bring peace — He is peace. Ephesians 2:14 says, “For He Himself is our peace.” When you call on Jesus to come into your situation, you’re not just asking for comfort; you’re inviting the very Prince of Peace to rule your home, your heart and your future.
Think about that first Christmas night. It wasn’t peaceful in the way we picture it.
Mary was a young mother, far from home, surrounded by animals instead of family. Joseph was trying to protect and provide, unsure how everything would work out. There were no lights, no carols, no gifts. But in that humble, messy place, peace was born. The Savior entered chaos to bring calm. He entered poverty to bring provision. He entered fear to bring faith.
‘Not alone’
This is God’s promise to anyone who is struggling this Christmas.
Jesus brings peace into your world no matter how messy it seems. He isn’t waiting for your life to look perfect before He shows up. He walks right into the noise, the uncertainty, the loneliness … all of it. And He says, “I’m here. You’re not alone.”
You may not have the picture-perfect family Christmas the world shows on TV, but what you do have is something greater — Emmanuel, God with you. That’s the real miracle of Christmas. His presence is better than any present. His peace is stronger than any struggle you or your family might be facing.
So, when the house gets quiet, and your mind starts racing with worries, stop and remember who’s in the room with you. Just open your heart and say, “Lord, be my peace.” And He will.
This Christmas, don’t chase peace — receive it.
You don’t have to earn it, and you don’t have to fix everything. Jesus is our peace. The manger proves it; the cross secures it; and the empty tomb guarantees it. Let the Prince of Peace fill your home, quiet your heart and remind you — you’re seen, you’re loved and you’re never without hope.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Nathan Winiecki and originally published by Arkansas Baptist News.
