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The Christmas season can be a time of joy, but it is also a difficult time of year for many people. John Bailey and Mark Renfroe talk about how to navigate emotions and find connection when it feels difficult to celebrate at Christmas.

Key Points from the Podcast

  • For many, even if they are surrounded by people, the holidays can be a very lonely time of year.

  • Christmas can be a time of sadness for some as they mourn the loss of loved ones.

  • If you find yourself wanting to take your own life or inflict harm on yourself, change your environment. This will usually change your attitude.

  • If you know someone who will be alone this Christmas, be intentional about reaching out to them and inviting them to join you and your family as you celebrate the holidays.

  • Those who are alone this Christmas could benefit from stepping outside themselves and intentionally connecting with others during the holidays. Above all, be intentional in your connection and relationship with God.

  • Serving others—homeless outreach, soup kitchen, helping the elderly—can be a great way to get your mind off your own pain, loneliness, or depression during the holidays.

  • The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter. Invite him to be a part of your holidays and console you through whatever difficulties you are facing this Christmas.

Bible Verses Referenced in the Podcast

Proverbs 18:24; Luke 2:1–21; Galatians 4:4; Genesis 2:18

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

Call the World Challenge prayer line at 1-833-WC-PRAYS [1-833-927-7297]

About John Bailey

Pastor John Bailey serves as the Chief Operating Officer at World Challenge. John came to know Christ in jail after some difficult struggles as a young man, and God has done a powerful work of transformation since! Spending 13 years in Next Gen ministry, he excelled in discipleship and helping young leaders discover giftings to serve God. John was called next to serve as a missionary and pastor in Western Europe. John and his family then returned to plant the Springs Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Today, the church is a thriving body of believers excelling in outreach and missions. John has now brought his giftings and vision to World Challenge, accelerating the spread of the gospel in America and around the World.

About Mark Renfroe

Mark married his college sweetheart, Amy, with whom he has four adult children—one girl and three boys. The Renfroes have been involved in field missions work for 30 years. They served in the Arab community of San Francisco for four years before becoming foreign missionaries in 1995. Mark was asked to serve as the Area Director for Assemblies of God World Missions in 2007. As part of his role, he led missionaries and interfaced with national church leaders in the 18 countries of the Arab World. In 2017, Mark created Reaching Africa’s Muslims, an initiative to mobilize, equip, and deploy indigenous African missionaries to reach Muslims on the continent. Mark has graduate degrees in Intercultural Studies and Executive Leadership. He currently serves as the Chief Missions Officer for World Challenge in Colorado Springs.