How to Celebrate Christmas When Life Is Hard

[@pinkpaprika8410]

During the worst Christmas of my life, I thought of all the hardships Mary had to go through just to give birth to Jesus. This gave me the courage to hold on and make it through the worst.

[@fam4449]

At the darkest time, God reminds us of His Light.

[@gustabeumer688]

I remember Christmas when I was young. There were no presents. We went to church and had a big family meal. It was a day for thanksgiving and family.

[@kelkabot]

That’s beautiful.

[@rruiz4145]

Amen!!!! Thank you Father Mike for this reminder! I am a mother of two young children, recently diagnosed with cancer, and although this Christmas seemed soooo different, I thank our Lord for all this 2023 has brought, even this cancer diagnosis because it has brought me closer to our Heavenly Father! As I sat this Christmas feeling a bit lonely, as if it didn’t matter to others what disease I had and what I was going through, God reminds me day in and day out, that I matter to him, that he is here for me, that I should be more compassionate with others as others don’t known my true feelings, to value the little things…so yes, Christmas may be hard for some, sad for many, and lonely to a lot of people, but Jesus Christ was born because our Lord loves us soo unconditionally!

[@Elainemom]

Life is hard for sure. The last couple have been rough. God please forgive me my sins so I can see you in eternity.

[@VeronicasVeil333]

Wow wow wow…….I never knew all of this…….8 years ago on Oct 28 my son took his own life in the military - 6 months after the death of his baby boy from a rare, fatal genetic disorder in infants. Both were our “onlys” - that first Christmas I lay on the couch in despair listening to an organist on EWTN play Christmas carols all over the world. It was soothing and I wondered if I would ever recover. 8 years later “I know my Redeemer liveth and that He will rise on the last day” - and my son is saved, my grandbaby is a saint and I am redeemed. Thank you, Father, for this profound message. Peace on earth, good will to men AMEN

[@Judy-g1s]

I have a son and my granddaughter visiting, my son is clearly either addicted or severely mentally sick . The verbal abuse is horrible. I prayed for my family to be together this Christmas but for this? They were raised Catholic, I’m praying the next 2 days I find some joy or love in their hearts. More importantly to keep my peace

[@kelkabot]

It’s a year later. How are you doing? I am going to pray a Hail Mary for your family right now.

[@tonygasperson4952]

My wife is dying from stage 4 breast cancer she home now under hospice care. She still fighting but this is the hardest thing I have ever experienced in my life. Today is Christmas which is her most favorite holiday. I see post from years ago show her and our kids together. It crushes me.

[@kimncindy]

May our Lord comfort you all; I will keep you in prayer today.

[@ZacWyane]

I know the pain and grief your experiencing. I saw the terrible sadness of letting my dad stop eating and drinking fluids, he had stage 4 kidney failure. Don't give up on God you can and will get through this sorrowful time. I was with dad for 62 years. I will always continue to pray for his soul and moms and others who past from us. God won't abandoned you so please don't turn from God, keep praying always. God gave me strength when I took care of dad. God will give you and Soo many others the strength to endure such difficult times

[@emilybaylor]

Has Father Mike commented on the genocide on Palestine!?! And the Christmas festivities in Bethlehem, Palestine being cancelled? As an Arab Catholic, I’m feeling so isolated and alone in the Christian community feeling like everyone is ignoring what is happening in the birthplace of Jesus!! And how Catholic Palestinians are being murdered and targeted intentionally in Gaza 😢 we cannot forget about them, and must pray for them! Would love for you to post a video Father Mike to raise prayers, like the Pope has commented

[@annhicks9548]

Today I pray for these Catholic Palestinians that God will be merciful and give them peace.

[@victoriaalbacete794]

Praying.... 🙏

[@iDuh80]

My 1 year old son Teddy recently got diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. It's been devastating watching him be in pain and hope it'll pass soon. Please pray for a miraculous healing for Teddy. We have our faith in God to get us through this.

[@quadfan96]

🙏🙏🙏😇😇😇

[@shariboyle1166]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@janicemulry8140]

My prayers for your darling son have been said, and I will remember him in my daily prayers. 🙏❤️

[@galadethlaernis6266]

Keeping in prayers for as long as the grace of God is needed. God bless....

[@GeorgiaPeach2024]

I have no words...🙏

[@vny9728]

Been the worst year of my life. Constant health troubles coupled with many other things have made it unbearable. Thanks for this most relevant video - Merry Christmas

[@mariannakump8857]

I am going through very similar suffering right now. I have been completely overwhelming by it. Thank you Fr. Mike, for this profound video. 🙏

[@MorreHope]

Amen

[@msawvell1647]

I am so sorry for your health issues. 🙏 I am great full that my worst year is behind me. Keep the faith🌲🌹

[@papalseamstress]

Prayers for you, Friend. 🙏✝️🙏

[@stephenmurphySteve]

I understand. Let us keep each other in prayer and show the faith, love, and hope of Jesus to each other. Sorry for you who suffer. May God bless you and know that God is real and alive and never forgets any one of us. We're in the palm of His hand.

[@MA-vz2mu]

I have spent the past 5 days crying. Just crying. Family problems, past hurts, betrayal, painfully alone with no one to talk to….I know God just led me here to hear you Father. I needed to hear what you had to say, and it’s given me hope. I just needed to be reminded what a loving God we have. Thank you Father, now it feels like Christmas….

[@amandaOlb]

May this Christmas be a time of consolation and hope for you. I'll be praying for you today!

[@rosejoseph7833]

God bless you with joy and peace which flows from His Son our Lord. Prayers and Christmas wishes.

[@eugeniamontenegro1997]

I'm here if you need someone to talk to, and I hope you are feeling better!

[@NCFMANINJA9]

May the God of all hope give you His Peace and Consolation.

[@NCFMANINJA9]

Father Mike, you are doing God's work in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for this message. Christmas is hard for me as well. I try to embrace the Birth of our Lord but still am emotional.

[@rommelflores2618]

This year has been a painful challenging times. Lost a job due to redundancy, one part time job that the boss didn't paid my last work, he just run away and one job offer that was rescinded. These 3 failures put me to uncharted waters. Still Christmas is here and I believe good things will come soon with God's grace and time.

[@mohammedziauddin601]

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ. . . I pray for the homeless, hungry, mentally ill, the lonely, the disenfranchised, those in prison, those who suffer in war, those who deal with poverty, those who suffer for the Love of the Gospel, especially those who live in Islamic & Idolatry lands. . .peace on earth and good will to man. . .to us a Savior is born. . .Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ. 🙏🙏🙏🙏💗💗💗💗✝️✝️✝️✝️

[@COcatholicgal]

2023 has been the hardest year of my life, this messsage brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Father Mike!

[@AlexanderBrown77]

Revelation 21 kJV ♥️ 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 1 Corinthians 15 kJV ♥️ 1-4

[@lillight4JC]

My heart, love, and prayers go out to you. May 2024 be a far better year for you. 🥺🙏🏼🕯❤️🕊🙏🏼

[@pdxnikki1]

God's peace, comfort & joy to you! 🕯️🎄🕯️

[@sandyrausch1999]

I get it. Hang on to Jesus, He loves you so much!

[@kingofsicily]

Ditto, sister.

[@cdmc965]

My heart goes out to all of you that are going through hurt,pain and health problems. I can tell you,it will get better. I know because when we feel heartache and lost please know it gets better. May God bless each of you as he has me. I thank Him everyday.

[@christinereilly8829]

I thought I had it bad, but I realise that all things happen for a purpose. I am having a really rough time with an abusive, adulterous husband but this story has brought my suffering into perspective - I offer all my pain & suffering to obtain peace & harmony in my home. I pray fervently that Jesus may hear my prayer, Amen.

[@kelkabot]

I admire your tremendous strength. Please know that you are allowed to seek out both physical and mental/emotional safety, and to have a separation if necessary. God bless you.

[@annemarieelizabethrosevolo4366]

It was very good Father Mike for this brief, wonderful teaching. I am the last of my immediate family, my parents are gone, the grandparents, just about almost all my aunts and uncles,, except for my Godfather, both brothers-in-laws, my two older brother is gone, and on December 12th, last year, my older sister has past, I am the Resident Council President Of the nursing home that I live at, which is a form of servant leadership, with its good and bad sides to it, and has had a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship break-up. A number of years ago I have sung that Christmas Carol in my Catholic parish choir, it is very haunting indeed. Please keep me in your prayers Father Mike. Thank-you Father Mike for this brief reflection, Merry Christmas, and God Bless.

[@kelkabot]

You sound like a wise and beautiful soul. I wish I could meet you and learn from you. I hope you find strength in the thought of Jesus’ resurrection and the hope in the world to come.

[@lorrainecox7728]

Fr. Mike, i have thought of you and your family often as you prepare to celebrate your first Christmas without your Mom. She will have the most glorious Christmas ever. Never would we wish that away from her. It still doesn't remove the sting of loss, so console yourself with the bazillion sweet memories you have of her. Just think how much more powerful her prayers are for you, her priest son, who is a target of the devil because he is leading untold souls to God. May God continue to bless you and your family

[@janicemulry8140]

That’s beautiful Lorraine! 🙏

[@carolhensen8005]

Dear Father Mike, I have been praying for you,I need your prayers, my first year without my husband at my side…..God Bless you Father Mike, may your days be blessed at this beautiful Advent and Christmas season…..

[@bryanrocker5033]

I needed to hear this, I am one of those evil God fearing masculine male and devout husband who recieves hate on a daily basis. We are all broken, we all carry crosses of many shapes and configurations. Please keep us in your prayers.

[@livymarie3573]

I know this video came out a year ago, but I found it just now, when I needed a word of encouragement. The last 6 months have been the hardest in my life. I graduated from nursing school and moved to a new city. I left behind my best friends when I moved, and my family is 5 hours away so I can't visit as often as I would like. I have to work this Christmas, so I won't be with my family until the 27th. First time I have ever lived alone, and I miss my family and friends terribly. I've been struggling with my mental health in a way I never have before. The future seems pretty uncertain, and the present moment seems bleak. But I know God has good things planned for me. My apartment building is named after... you guessed it, Longfellow. What a wink of Providence. It felt like this video was God's way of telling me He is here with me and that He sees me. Thank you so much, Fr. Mike and Merry Christmas.

[@nicolaj665]

I've been where you are. As a young student I lived in London and was terribly lonely. The pain was unbearable. However, I often look back to the person I was then some 35 years ago. Having suffered I now look out for people new at church and make a beeline to them. God has brought many broken people into my life since and has enabled me to help them. God has created that void to fill it with him. Therefore I pray a lot and find great comfort in Him, especially in front of the Blessed Sacrament. I hope you find your feet and some new friends where you are.

[@Bernadette613]

Wooh. I needed this. Grieving the loss of my parents hard this year and every moment feels impossible right now to smile and feel joy, but as a Christian, I must hold onto hope. Thank you, Fr. Mike. This is so necessary.

[@tnt01]

Your parents would want you to go on with your life and be happy not sad. Hugs.

[@GnoKLei808]

Going through this exact same situation as well with the loss of my parents recently. We will see them again, but for now while on Earth, we grieve, remember, and know that they are in a much better place

[@giorgiaw]

Also, I'm grieving my parents. My mother died just over two years ago, but I find it very difficult to celebrate Christmas. Just don't feel like celebrating.

[@kelkabot]

I’m so sorry for your loss. When our parents die, the loss is profound. God bless you.

[@MarlonSamir7]

What a sweet and passionate way of shepherd us Fr. Mike, what a blessing having pastors like you yet. 😊😊😊

[@reginaherrington7374]

Thank you for that. I'm still grieving the loss of my daughter so I am having a rough christmas

[@gormkristianred5231]

Thank you Father Mike. It's been a hard year for me, with heart disease and now my wife of 24 years is leaving me. Im so thankfull that the Lord came to me when I was in hospital in august. I`m now on a journey to convert to the Catholic faith. Thank you for all your work spreading hope and the word of God. God bless you. Best wishes and a Merry Christmas from Norway.

[@Maria-bw9sr]

God is near to those suffering. Closer than most.

[@nellypinilla5577]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🎄🎄🎄🎄yes father 😢we are broken a confused world but we know, God exist merry Christmas father

[@barbaraannbaugh1039]

On October 1st 2022 my niece and her husband were brutally murdered by an insane man. Sara was more than a niece to me. She was my daughter's best friend. This has been a terrible year for me. I pray the Devine Mercy Chaplet every day for the murderer. Through prayer and petition my family was able to get the death penalty reduced to life in prison for this young man. I have been looking all over the internet for that carol.

[@gabriellabri7305]

Powerful message! Thank you so much Father, Merry Christmas and God Bless you!!!

[@maureenhayes7318]

Praying for everyone here who is suffering this Christmas, please know I love you, but more importantly God loves you so much he died so you could live forever. Hold on, have hope and joy in HIM even if your heart is breaking, you’re in pain, etc. . . I can’t promise you that everything will be alright here, but I can promise God can make it right in the next. Sending my love and hugs.

[@sabgo352]

nothing in this world is as comforting as God is when you’re alone and broken. 😢❤

[@kwkw5711]

Greetings to all those in dark broken circumstances. I pray a ray of light hope and love fall on you today and what you fear is just a dark imagining and not reality. Pray for me as I pray for you. AMEN

[@bibsann861]

God Bless you.

[@daninspiration4064]

For Christmas don’t dwell in what we don’t have or what we can no longer do because of illness and financial stress, but focus on what we still have and what we can still do. Life becomes much more joyful and rich. God bless all Have a Mary+Christ+mass

[@cindymarselynapratiwi9288]

I lost my grandpa in 2017 and Christmas have been so hard for me since that day and recently I also lost my grandma in 2022, they are both really important because they introduce me to God and help me keep my faith evan through my own mom left Jesus and convert to Islam, they as a grandparents still hold the promise to teach me a word of God and yeah Christmas without them and living with your mom but couldn't celebrate Christmas with her was so hard and somehow yesterday I get a notification for this video and everything in this video is really helping me not to feel alone at Christmas thank you Father

[@kelkabot]

You sound like a wise and beautiful soul. God bless.

[@cindymarselynapratiwi9288]

@kelkabot thank you so much for your comment bring me back to this video right when I need it the most during Christmas holiday ❤️❤️

[@jeanniedelahunt3610]

Though I am not Catholic, I greatly appreciated this message. So much so, I've sent it to family and friends, as well as to myself to listen to again. Powerful. Thank you.

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

3:50 Reflecting on the brokenness and hatred in this world: And in despair I bowed my head: 'There is no peace on earth, ' I said 'For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.' The Hopeful Message of Christianity: Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: 'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men.' 6:18 God, The Divine Word, leaped like a warrior to this earth, and He allowed the brokenness, the hate, the evil, and death to overwhelm Him, so as to conquer the evil. And to transform it so that you and I can still have hope. Christmas reminds us that God is not dead nor does He sleep. So even in the midst of grief, we worship Him. In the midst of grief, we pray for and love each other because we know the truth: God has become one of us; He is not dead. He does not sleep, and He is near. And He loves each and every single one of us. Praying for you, Fr. Mike, Ascension Presents, and everyone here. Merry Christmas and God bless you.

[@KSt-nv8eb]

I love Longfellow, and knew of his life tragedies, however I did not know of this song. Your message brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Father Mike.

[@ElisabethJackson-l4q]

A good song that is an upbringing song. No one knows about i listen to when Im sad is Ooh Aah (My Life Be Like) by Grits. Father Mike you and this song has saved my life and gets me through these lonely holidays . You give me hope and happiness and you have helped me get closer to God. Thank you!

[@lloydf1879]

Nice Christmas message. Used to work in a trauma center & did not look forward to this time of year as it seemed like the worst tragedies would come in. However, we always got through it and there was usually an unexpected hope in the middle of it like a lull on New Years to pour a little no alcohol champagne for a toast, or someone making it that looked hopeless after coming up with a resident's hand holding pressure on a hole in the chest etc. Not sure of the answer except enjoy what you can & your happiness, if you can find it, might just enrich someone else.

[@avinjenix8103]

This year 2023 has been the most difficult year got hit on every aspect of life but prayer and rosary have kept me going God has made me even more strong hope next year will blessed and will be good no matter what God always with us love you God, thank you for blessing us with these beautiful priests bless them more and more and give them Good health.

[@LeslieHayman11]

Going through a divorce this year, this was a good reminder. Thank you, Father Mike, for your ministry. For your words, for your prayers, you've touched countless lives that you'll probably never know about.

[@silvifl2520]

Thinking of you and sending love your way

[@ktf585]

Same here, I can feel with you...

[@OliviaMarie12]

Through the most difficult year of my life, I’ve learned the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you Jesus 🙏🏼🤍

[@Jam-zt9dw]

I hope things get better starting nxt year for our family. I pray to become a better person... ❤

[@MH-dx8du]

This is just what I needed to hear this morning. My son is in the hospital and I feel helpless. But I am not helpless, because God is not asleep, and he’s worthy. Praise -all glory and honor. Thank you for Mike!

[@chinitapink8074]

While everyone talks about the Vatican Document. This post is refreshing and what we all needed 3 days before Christmas..🙏🏻♥️ Thank you Fr. Mike and Ascension Presents Family!! Have a Merry Christmas...🎄✨

[@mylordgorlock4781]

I've been an atheist for 33 years. But you have a gentle and relaxed nature where I'm not turned off by religion. I'm not sure if there's a God who would forgive the stuff I've done, but you make me feel like there might be.

[@marymurray9351]

Come to the Sacraments and become Catholic! Christ is there in the confessional waiting to forgive all those sins, you mistakenly think He wouldn't. Go talk to a priest.

[@MaryColbert-v5q]

God exists. He’s real and His mercy is endless. He knows you. He made you. He loves you. 🕊️

[@Carlosrodriguez-fl6ep]

Merry Christmas to all . GOD is near .

[@billoberg3272]

Beauty, Truth and Goodness from our Civil War poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Thank you Fr Mike.

[@emmabrauer5360]

This year nearly broke me too... In the midst of grief we ring those bells because we know the truth God loves us

[@AJKPenguin]

Love the Casting Crowns' rendition of the hymn. It's oh so relevant today with the nihilism and anti-theism abound. The Bells still ring, no matter how much we try to quiet them or tear them down.

[@dianarumbaugh5736]

I cried with this beautiful message. My husband and I have had 2 very rough years, losing our newborn daughter (1 month old) and my father-in-law. The only thing that keeps me going is the message of love and hope. God is not dead and loves us soooo very much! We just need to trust and follow him. Praying for another baby and for my husband’s conversion. Don’t give up! God will give you beauty for those ashes. God bless you all and Merry Christmas.

[@janicemulry8140]

Praying for you Diana! 🙏❤️

[@quadfan96]

🙏

[@briankelly85]

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful...

[@lizauger9828]

Let's just be kind and loving to others that's how to make a nice Christmas

[@deerhil]

2023 has been the worst,saddest and most traumatic year of my life. It’s by the grace of God that I get up each day and “press play”. I am scared it won’t get better.

[@ruthdanielson919]

Ive prayed my sister would move to Florida to live with me every day for years, then she had a stroke this year and now she lives with me. Chistmas day we went to Mass, but then on the phone to doctors later in the day but all well after following drs orders. A challenging year for sure, but the best Christmas ive had in decades, having family with me. It was however sad, thinking of all the suffering people have brought into this world, especially in Ukraine, Palistine, etc. Im so thankful no matter how difficult life can be there can be a glimmer of hope for many when so many in this worrd have none. Thank you Jesus for being that glimmer of hope. Peace!

[@beerkenstein]

Last year's Christmas brought me a major existential crisis that I could barely overcome this year, now it is Christmas time again and I am sadly facing new problems and worries. Sometimes it feels so hard to remain strong in the constant struggle... Thank you father for your message, it gives me hope that God will listen to our prayers and will help to bear our burden. Peace be with you and Merry Christmas

[@pamelashropshire7298]

Since 2020, it’s been one difficult thing after another - lost both parents, lost my job, health problems. But in the midst of all that, God has been present. I’m so grateful for His peace in the heartaches of life.

[@anamericanprayer1967]

Fr.Mike speaks to me. Thank you Dear Lord Jesus for your life … I surrender.

[@dsc4178]

Christmas is about Jesus, make Him the center!

[@elizabethhunter4525]

Just had to jump on here again, on my bus trip into work today I started to pray for the folks that live in the red light district that I pass through on my bus route. It is an area populated by an eclectic mix of ethnicity, not unusual to see people begging on the street. There was a passenger on the bus who had something playing on her 'phone that was really annoying (this happens most days) regardless of this distraction I kept praying, and the last line of my prayer was " Lord please help people find your peace through the noise of life" the driver then called out to this woman to turn off her phone as it was annoying him, and she did ! I gave a wry smile, and thanked God. GOD IS NOT DEAD, HE DOES NOT SLEEP, HE LOVES ME AND YOU, AND IS COMING BACK SOON.

[@BlackHermit]

May Life be very good for everyone. 🙏

[@karenrich9092]

Dear Father Mike, Thank you for this story on a wonderful carol. I have been very lucky these last several years inspite of my cancer, local disasters, and other sadness that I and my daughter hit the jackpot when she married the most wonderful religious man. We need to remember to be grateful for what we have while mourning what we don't have. In 2017, my husband died. As my daughter and I rang in the New Year, I said, "It can only go up from here." And it truly has. Merry Christmas.

[@jimgrant4348]

I love this carol, and I think I saw a tear coming to your eyes. I always cry when I hear this, because I especially love the last verse. Thank you for the history lesson. I was fortunate enough to have learned about and was exposed to some of Longfellow's poetry. God bless you and everyone else, especially those who are alone or are in distress. My favorite holiday is Christmas. God loves us so much he sent his beautiful son, knowing that this perfect innocent child would suffer and die a terrible death to pay for our sins. Merry Christmas.

[@juliedalessandrosing]

Blessings to all of you commenting! Praying for you.

[@tagarikamaruza8263]

You may not see this Father Mike but Thank You. This has been the hardest Christmas season of my life. I needed this message

[@Catholic64]

This has been the hardest year of my life for sure. My wife took my kid to another state, and filed for divorce. This hasn’t felt like Christmas at all. I still believe and know that God is good and my faith for salvation is fully in Jesus Christ and His Church, I don’t question that at all…. But I’ve lost my faith in humanity. Thank you for posting this, Fr. Schmitz. I’ve started listening to your Bible in a Year Podcast on the Ascension Press app. When I finish it, I’ll listen to the Catechism in a Year Podcast.

[@meihui7767]

Prayers

[@maryannewillequer3305]

Oh, Father Mike. Thank you for the most heartfelt message of the real meaning of Christmas that I ever heard. Blessings for the holiday.

[@bekind6763]

In times of trouble I ask Jesus Christ to keep me in his light and let me feel his joy. I love our Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart ❤️ Amen 🙏

[@amandasmith5344]

That was beautiful. Still grieving this Christmas after the loss of my son at Christmas time three years ago, but this was a comfort. Thank you

[@mariastathopoulos744]

@amandasmith5344 I am sorry for your loss. I am a bereaved mother too. My daughter passed away when she was 4 on January 1st, 2012. It is coming up to her 12th anniversary. Christmas day, NYE and New Year's day are difficult days to get through. What helps me is to buy and donate gifts for charity to give to children who are in need. I wish with all my heart l could buy my daughter a gift to open on Xmas day. Instead another child/children will have the joy of opening a special Xmas gift. Be kind to yourself. Wishing you a gentle Christmas season.

[@maureenhayes7318]

Praying for you both in your grief 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻. May God touch your hearts with his peace

[@oliverkent8429]

This world sucks so often and so intensely.. So much brokenness, so many people battered and bruised by life's trials. Let's trust Hope never dies..

[@MsMissy-o5i]

Thank you, perfect for what our Church is going through now. I encourage all to spend alot of time before the Blessed Sacrament praying. Stay faithful regardless of what other clergy are doing. We ❤ you and appreciate you. You're the BEST.

[@annjose8039]

This is the lesson I learnt this advent. It's the message of Christianity. It's the message of the Christmas story- among impending divorce (mary), fear of bring ostracised from society (mary), the massacre of the innocents and rejection (no room at the inn) from men and poverty (born in a stable)- amongst it all, hope was born. Salvation exists. And it changes all things.

[@RosarySoldier]

Thanks!

[@roshinvarghese6879]

Rollercoaster of a year: From graduation of pharmacy school, losing 40 pounds being my best physically fit to realizing I may hate this career, 250k in debt in a saturated market, and realizing maybe I should’ve gone to religious life instead but feared what others thought. Coming into Christmas with major regret and major anxiety of my future. My family is happy for me for my accomplishments but it’s hard to express my worries and distaste. They don’t understand but I don’t even understand. Praise to be our Lord regardless.

[@catherineoliveri4876]

Thank you Father … this will be the first Christmas without my daughter in law who passed away in February 2023 of stage 4 breast cancer. It is still painful and surreal and yet we go through the motions of celebrating the birth of Christ. I know it was God’ s will and yet I still ask. Why she was taken so young at 43 years old leaving behind two young children at the age of 12 and 14. I believe we will see each other again one day. Merry Christmas to you and your family and peace be with you!🙏❤️🎄🕊⛪️✝️

[@felicitynixon9208]

Thanks for this honest and heartfelt message, Fr Mike. Most of 2023 has been really challenging....punctuated by sorrows and disappointments that seemed to taunt my faith in God. I know His presence is still real for me and for those who are suffering....the bells will continue to ring and peace will reign in Jesus' name❤

[@cjn1551]

Well said, my dear. I share the sentiment.

[@felicitynixon9208]

Thank you sis...God bless

[@bobbynunez4865]

Thank you for all you do Fr. Mike. Merry Christmas to you, to everyone at Ascension Presents, and to anyone who reads this.

[@arryserrano4373]

🕊🙏🏼♥️

[@loveeattravelpray4468]

Wish you the same

[@triphophoney]

And Merry Christmas to you too, Bobby!

[@isabella2513]

Definitely needed this. My mom left my Dad 4 years ago now and the holidays are still difficult now that our family is fractured. Thank you, Fr. Mike. Merry Christmas ❤

[@marymary5494]

Thank you. Yes mayor traumatic events with me this year. I know I’m not alone, Christmas is a super tough time for many, many people, war, poverty etc. 😢 Lord, Jesus Chris please give us strength and guidance.

[@isabeltarragona6832]

Stay Strong, Fr Mike! We got you all in our prayers🙏Christ is Born, let his love and light be shown in our world🕊️

[@delegewi8884]

I find myself repeating the last two verses year-round because I need it year-round! ❤

[@kwester318]

This is the first thing I saw as I looked at my phone this Christmas morning. I awakened with such loneliness. Thank you, Father Mike, for your message that I needed so badly! Merry Christmas to all!

[@RoseTV-ti6bd]

Greetings 🫖☕ good morning 🌄🙏🙋🏻‍♀️ Merry Christmas 🎄⛄ Happy New Year 🌬️❄️❄️❄️🤺❤️🌹🐎 Dear Catholics we have come a long way , cheers to love 🍷 peace be with you 🤭

[@alejandrovaldez893]

I highly recommend the movie I Heard The Bells (2022), which is about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow writing his iconic poem and pretty much everything discussed in this video. The movie recounts the tragedy Longfellow endured in his personal life and how his faith helped him not only cope with death and despair, but write one of the best poems in American history. I never thought a movie about a guy writing a poem could be so captivating, but it is. The beginning of the movie does a magnificent job of setting things up for a huge and narratively satisfying payoff at the end. There are also some action scenes about Longfellow's son in the Civil War. The movie was great at weaving pro-Christian themes without getting heavy-handed and preachy about it. It focused on the impact of Longfellow's faith on he and his family rather than trying to do any substantive preaching. I cannot recommend this movie enough.

[@franktretola1067]

I saw it a few years ago in the theater. Very powerful and moving movie. I made a post a few minutes ago telling it can be streamed on Amazon and there is a website for it as well.. I wish I could shout it out to everyone..

[@hannahgraham3044]

It’s excellent. Would love to hear Father Mike’s review!

[@bhavi2262]

Our kids love CASTING CROWNS songs

[@hampmccool]

That is a truly beautiful message for our time!

[@KathleenLarson-bm4sc]

Beautiful ending to a sad story. Thanks, Father for this Christmas gift! And thank God for the greatest GIFT of all!

[@Poeina]

I had this video in my watch later and I watched it right after I watched a movie about the poet he is talking about! It was so good! The movie is so good.

[@sheilasmithsoderquist8643]

Thank you Father Mike. It’s a beautiful song one of my favorites but I guess I have never listen to these words. Christmas means so much to me. I have lost so much!!! My mother who was my life so many years ago 1998. I have missed her more this Christmas than the years before. I’ll be 70 in January facing my third surgery for cancer on Jan 10. All I do is work pay bills and work. I’m so ready to just check out. I know it would my kids and grandchildren. I keep going by putting on a face of happiness. I put one foot in front of the other and go on. There is no peace!! My love for Christ keeps me going. I listen to the song this time listening to the words. I know his pain. Peace be with you!!

[@marimiller4249]

I’ll pray for your strength and healing!

[@Ratatosk19]

Thank you. Let us ring thos bells. Always.

[@amyann47]

I had a miscarriage in October… it’s a hard season 😭 however I will always choose joy for my God.

[@kazfor3769]

In the midst of your own grief father mike, you still continue to help others, thankyou. I pray you find some comfort and strength in the midst of your own grief, oraying for you and your family always father mike, you have done so much for so many, including me as i struggle with so much hurt pain and grief and health issues right now, THANKYOU.❤❤

[@janefosha7847]

Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and your family! We are praying for you and your family this first Christmas since your Mom passed on. Peace and blessings to you all!

[@lumelostudios]

God heals all wounds ❤

[@FreeBirdVince]

God bless you Fr Mike

[@diegoandres2906]

Such a beautiful message dear Father: In the midst of grief, we rejoice that God has made himself a home for us all

[@AP86777]

Such a strong topic. Thanks, so important. There are many people out there who suffer from lonliness etc. on Christmas. I also sometimes have my problems with being a single Christian and Christmas shows me that clearly. Though Christmas should be so precious. Have a great 2024 with a new starr.

[@galaxyn3214]

That was a poem that will not loose relevance as long as the world lasts.

[@maryellenrose1764]

Our son died in 2017. The holidays are so hard for me.

[@FishOrCutBait-i1b]

Merry Christmas to all! Praying for God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven.