It seems apparent that the holiday season makes mental health issues worse. For some, the pressure to have a "perfect" Christmas can be overwhelming. For others, the loneliness and grief are greatly amplified. We need a real Christmas; one that brings great joy.

Joy is not the same thing as happiness. Happiness is an emotion; joy is a condition. Happiness comes from your circumstances; joyfulness comes from knowing Christ's abiding love for you.

Key thought: Joy isn't found in circumstances; it's found in perspective.

Key thought: Being a Christian doesn't change what you deal with; it changes how you deal with it.