If You’re Discouraged This Christmas, You Are Not Alone

[@jenlovesjesus]

Father Mike, thank you for this. This is my first Christmas alone. My father died in 2023, and my mom is in a nursing home for rehabilitation. I have siblings, but we are estranged. I needed this. ❤ God bless you.

[@debbiekotch6006]

A wonderful life. a classic. Thank you for being here for me for us. This Christmas was very hard, I lost my son. it's been a year. I felt alone.

[@heidimeigs5192]

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. 😢💔

[@simple_naildesigns]

So sorry for your loss 🙏

[@catherinehines1471]

I am longing for the belief, the love for the church that I had as a child. Please pray for me. I’m 76.

[@johnduffy6546]

You have my love and prayers

[@rhwinner]

No better way than making a visit to the Infant in the Manger. Just a short visit will refresh you 🙂

[@juliel531]

Go sit with Jesus in Adoration. Let Him speak to you.

[@miar2283]

Thank you for Father Mike, Merry Christmas, God bless you and Ascension presents🙏🏻❤️

[@kilroy4103]

Fr. Mike Schmitz you simply are the best. This was my first Christmas without my Dad, he passed away this past January due to complications from Dementia. It was very hard for my mother because they just celebrated their 59th Wedding Anniversary 5 months before he passed. My Mom went into confession last week and for her penance the priest told her to think about 3 people who makes you happy. I think she told me it was my father, me and my sister. And afterwards she felt so much better and actually happy for the first since January. God cares and God loves.

[@Robin-d6y3j]

Thank you Father Mike, I sent food to three homes today, so people would have something to eat and enjoy. I am a widow, but I am not alone. God is with me everyday. He has brought me through the hard times. I look forward to the future to continue my story. 🙏🏻

[@user-oi4pp3sr6q]

This went to the heart Fr Mike and got me teary too

[@jamesriga1104]

Father thank you for this video I needed this. Today Christmas Day of 24 it's the 12th anniversary of my oldest son's death and my fourth fourth Christmas without my wife. They say God reaches out to us to others. You're delivering a message I needed to hear . Can I say blessings to you thank you made my Christmas Day a lot better Jimbo

[@FieldArrow-s7v]

Im so discouraged and exhausted with thank you father for this 🙏🙏 ❤ 😢 pray for me

[@YDdraigGoch1]

God bless you, Father Mike. Spending Christmas by myself has been bittersweet, and have had to make the extra effort to keep the spirits up. However, I know that I have a lot to be grateful for, and have been in touch with loved ones on this day. I know that there will be other Christmases in the future, and that I have the rest of this Christmas Season itself to enjoy. Thank you so much again, as always, for sharing your wisdom and godly perspective with us, Father Mike. A very Merry Christmas to you! 🙏🏻❤️✝️🎄🌟🎁❄️🔔

[@colbyg2431]

Thank you Father so Much! I felt so Dry during advent and felt hopeless and days where I felt God is not with me,I always knew God forgives a Lot,During Christmas Eve My Aunt Told us to watch the “it’s a Wonderful Life” and my mom said she saw a Father earlier that recommended the movie.We watch it and it was beautiful and perfect timing having Christmas Eve dinner and went to The Midnight mass which was Beautiful, Woke up to a regular Christmas Morning and then later on still felt that dryness Until this Video I knew the meaning of Emmanuel Before but never knew the real beautiful meaning and heard O Come Emmanuel all throughout Advent,but after this video Father I feel comfortable and free from Dryness and sickness going through Depression and feeling like I didn’t do Advent so well God bless you Father and Have a Merry Merry Christmas ☦️🌹☝️💚❤️🎄

[@drogden8368]

Thank you, Father Mike; I needed to see this today as I am very discouraged right now. I converted to the Catholic Church this year at the Easter Vigil and I am still receiving a lot of resistance from my wife who says she's a believer but never goes to church and is jealous of the time I spend at my Parish. Father Mike, your videos here along with the work you do on the Catechism in a Year have been a huge help and I sincerely appreciate what you're doing. God Bless you!

[@joyhess305]

You should check out "a severe mercy". Your comments about your wife sound just like the couple in the book.

[@matthewvelazquez2013]

Fr. Mike is a truly holy priest. God bless him.

[@TALynch]

I need this...grateful to you Father Mike. 😢

[@rbs0648]

I never questioned my faith, but for decades, I was a lazy Catholic who had a extremely limited relationship with Jesus. I rarely went to Mass, and even skipped going during Christmas. God sent his Holy Spirit, that brought me back to the church four years ago. I now strive to be a better Catholic Christian.

[@msavarise8348]

I may have to play this everyday to remind me that someone cares… Praying for everyone that needs to hear these words!! Thank you for this message today Father Mike…Merry Christmas!! 🐶❤️🎄🙏

[@AuroraB-74]

I am very discouraged this year. As always Fr. Mike, your words of encouragement are a blessing and help keep me going. God Bless You!

[@EliB567a]

He is closer than you think.

[@Robert_Stewart_McD]

This message is uncannily accurate for me today. Thank you for giving me hope that better days are to come 🙏

[@texmex5329]

Thank you, Father! You made it better. Merry Christmas!

[@mackattacka]

Thank you so much Fr. Mike. It does in a way feel unfitting to approach the Christmas season with the word discouragement, but unfortunately it is the reality for many. It’s been a tough year for me, just full of some good things but also discouragement in a certain part of my life and feeling stuck. Many times this year that were supposed to be times of spiritual fulfillment were times of disappointment and situations of just people unknowingly aggravating wounds and just feeling a bit like a wayfarer in my parish, not really able to relate as a childless couple in a sea of families. So it’s been hard to end this year with joy despite the successes and joys that did happen throughout. Thanks for taking the time to think of those who may be struggling in this time and to reach out.

[@mikek2130]

That you Fr. Mike, I certainly needed to be reminded this morning. God Bless us all!!

[@pattisiedlicki]

Thank you so much for this, Father Mike! I love Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Wishing you, Father, and all my brothers and sisters a Blessed Christmas!🙏

[@carolinav6430]

Merry Christmas Father 🎄

[@gaylewesterlind9563]

Thank you for this..😇 Prayers for those who are suffering.

[@MsRocko99]

Fr. Mike, Pls. Pray for my son, Justin, and myself, his mother, Diane, from Canada. He has abandoned me. I am alone for Christmas, and discouraged! Thank you, Fr. Mick 🙏🙏🙏

[@thisgirl5933]

Said a prayer for you.

[@MsRocko99]

@ thank you sooo much! 🙏🙏🙏

[@Kevin5279]

@@MsRocko99 you are in my prayers. The Lord will do the best we can hope

[@LoriYork]

Merry Christmas Father Mike. Thank you for the blessing you have been on my life and millions of those you will never know. We all pray for you and have hearts full of gratitude for the gift that you are to our broken world. You give us hope. Our humble thanks is yours.

[@margokupelian344]

God bless you for what you said and how you said it. It was beautiful. Fr. Mike is precious. 🙏

[@GandA91]

THank you for loving Jesus the way you do. Thank you for loving humanity the way you do. Thank you for seeing life with your heart and not your eyes. I wish more men were like you, you are very strong and powerful, most men are weak, dead and empty inside. Very sad. I love you brother, keep dwelling in Jesus or else lose your beauty

[@Goretti8201]

So beautiful, Fr. Mike - and so timely. I love the thought that God's heart is so moved with compassion for our loneliness and discouragement that he says, "Here.... I'm sending you my Son. He will never leave you, abandon you, hurt you, use you, lie to you, or stop loving you. He will always be with you, and nothing can separate you from his love." That is the true essence of Christmas and reason for joy!

[@xtremelyr4nd0m]

I was just talking to a friend about this... it's the Jubilee year of hope and I don't know if I've ever been this hopeless before.

[@mother8696]

Hang on.. help is coming

[@tamarakonczal6350]

Beloved. Praying.

[@thecatholicwayjesus]

Amen! Thank you father God for all your goodness! We give you this day, guide us❤ Be blessed ❤

[@Sewsationalcreations]

Fr. Mike - What a timely message! I needed this. Thank you!

[@TizzyLisch]

Fr. Mike, the way the Holy Spirit works through you is something to behold. Merry Christmas, everyone.

[@anaquila8173]

I use to tell my son that God is with us all the time! He died at 17

[@tgeetoo9451]

I’m sorry. ❤

[@Jordynjustcant]

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE! And thank you Father Mike, these videos have made me see the error of my ways and I have started going back to church

[@definit1on119]

Jesus Christ son of God have Mercy on me a sinner.

[@dbl0fluff]

How I needed this today. Depression and discouragement have weighed heavily upon me for 10 years. I know I am not alone and God hears me but sometimes I wish I could just hear him whisper in my ear.

[@iamfilipinas]

Sometimes he whispers in the things that we know. may you be comforted❤

[@josephmulka]

Merry Christmas!!! 🎄

[@archuarchu8249]

Praying from many days to overcome attachments and distractions! pls pray

[@sm-cs4yp]

Merry Christmas everyone❤❤ Thank you Fr.Mike for this important message. For anyone watching who feels lost and lonely, please know that God loves you and you are worthy. 🌺🫶🏻I offer up my peace to everyone this holy Christmas Day✝️

[@claudiasteffanie]

Merry Christmas, Father Mike. 🎄Thank you for all that you do to spread God's love and mercy to His people. ❤

[@steelmongoose4956]

I’ve been discouraged for a while now, but God is showing me reason to hope.

[@agathilalruatpuii3054]

Merry Christmas everyone 💗

[@Audiophile979]

I'm completely alone this Christmas, luckily, I have Jesus Christ, so I am never truly alone.

[@susanelainebrown5436]

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, you are so blessed … I am alone today too, so from me to you - Merry Christmas, much love and blessings!

[@ruthortega5822]

There are many people who are alone this Christmas. Merry Christmas! We are never truly alone because we have Jesus in our life.

[@DiscipleofChrist33]

Merry Christmas, I love that Christ is always with us.. I’m sure someone is thinking of you today and would love to see you also 🙏

[@2new2this]

​@@ruthortega5822🙏

[@2new2this]

🙏

[@LadyRie]

Thank you, Fr. Mike for this reminder! I was starting to feel lonely and broken. Merry Christmas and God bless you & your family. Looking forward to Jubilee 2025 - HOPE 🙏🏽

[@donaldakosior9840]

Feeling sad this Christmas afternoon because my daughter and grandchildren are so far away, until I thought to myself, this is not me, this is a evil one trying to ruin my day, so I said l know you evil one , leave me now, I belong to Jesus, and I asked the Holy Spirit to come into me, and I felt peace in my heart. Merry Christmas 🙏

[@marys_fiat]

Mary Christmas, Fr. Mike! 💙 Your ministry has been a blessing in my life and I am sure to many others. Have a blessed Christmas season 🙏🏼✨

[@yestrech]

Merry Christmas Fr. Mike and Ascension Presents !

[@katiemacnish8575]

Great message. So many people in such difficult situations but no matter what we have to hang on to Jesus. It’s all we have. Merry Christmas to you and yours and May you be greatly blessed in this coming New Year. 😇🙏💕

[@norwolf4765]

Merry Christmas to everyone on here!

[@ruthortega5822]

Merry Christmas to you!

[@StAlphonsusHasAPosse]

Hope you have a merry Christmas as well

[@AnNguyenpilgrim]

Thank you, Father. Listening to you, there's something appeared in my mind: Before Christmas, the name of God is I AM. Since Christmas, the name of God is I AM HERE WITH YOU. This thought brings me such peace. Merry Christmas, everyone.

[@44esta44]

That is so good! Thank you!

[@marymitchell1700]

Merry Christmas, Fr. Mike! Thank you for such a moving and uplifting homily on these difficult times of our world. I wish you many blessings and joy in your life, for all you do for so many of us! God bless you.🕊️💕🎄

[@madcountryrunner]

Thank you Fr. Mike. For some reason I woke up Christmas Eve morning with a feeling of hopelessness. I don't know why but I felt that something bad was going to happen, and God was tired of me... and maybe I am not going to be saved in the end. I ended up getting in the car and driving to the adoration chapel. I sat with our Lord for an hour and 15 mins. praying and keeping watch with him. When I walked out I felt relief like a burden had been lifted. Today on Christmas morning I woke up feeling joy for my family and the Lords great mercy. I just want everyone out there struggling with life to not lose hope. Stay close to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ even if you think its to hard or you're not good enough. Never give up on Him... He will never give up on you! God bless Fr. Mike and peace and love to everyone this Christmas.

[@spinstercatlady]

I wake up with those awful "gloom and doom" forebodings sometimes as well. I've found that the best way to deal with them is to "pray it away" (as you did). ❤

[@EricaOats]

Happy Christmas everyone! 🎄

[@bengaltiger8435]

Thank you for your posts, Fr Mike. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@gracedelia8540]

God bless you Father Mike and thank you for such a beautiful message. Merry Christmas!

[@francistan6694]

Merry and peaceful Christmas, our dearest Fr. Mike. May our gracious Lord continue to bless you with good health, drive and strength to share all these wonderful teachings with everyone of us around the world. Thank you very much.

[@tianamello]

Merry Christmas Fr. Mike❤ God Bless❤

[@ConvincedofChristianity]

Merry Christmas, Father Mike and Ascension! I always appreciate your insight and vulnerability

[@ZoraHoldings]

Merry Christmas Ascension Family❤❤

[@Kevin5279]

I have been suffering discouragement for several years now. This is as if God sent me here to your video. God bless you Father and have a Blessed Christmas

[@briankelly85]

pray, hope and don't worry.

[@Kevin5279]

@briankelly85 Amen. It means a lot to me

[@lancecharger100]

Thanks Fr. Mike. I needed that message today!

[@shiningmusestudio2126]

Sometimes Father Mike , you are talking straight to me.

[@kelkabot]

That’s his superpower. He’s like the eyes in a painting that follow you around the room. But seriously. That’s why he’s so popular with so many people!

[@danashantz6666]

Merry Christmas Father Mike. You’re in my prayers as are my brothers and sisters in Christ. Merry Christmas everyone.

[@judithforhumanity6828]

Praise the Lord

[@HyllustheBarbarian]

Merry Christmas, my brothers and sisters on Christ. He's here!

[@alinebedros4223]

Merry Christmas Fr. Mike and all Ascension people! Thank you for all that you do. ❤️

[@ellenkang2062]

Hope, Faith, Love , Peace . Jesus I trust in you 🙏❤️

[@starrynnnn]

Never been so discouraged as this year’s Christmas, witnessing my family slowly falling apart 💔 But, during the Christmas eve mass, a voice says that the birth of Jesus is also the birth of hope in my heart. Merry Christmas!! 💖

[@angelanyanjong5089]

Hugs

[@mother8696]

I live deep into the WV hills. After all the celebrations, I took my annual Christmas walk with my now elderly Golden Retrievers. (I’m old) . As I crossed our bridge, out of nowhere and from everywhere neighbors drove thru and for some reason stopped. Oh what a special time… In one precious hour we connected. We exchanged ‘“ Merry Christmas” greetings, someone played some music off their 4 wheeler .. one candle of mine became two then three, the children chucked rocks and for one precious hour we connected and all went home covered in the embrace of Our Savior

[@eiradubellay8217]

Thanks so much for this, Father Mike. I think many of us needed to hear this message. May the Lord bless you and the Ascension Presents team! Remember friends, He is with us. He is here.

[@johnduffy6546]

That was powerful...This Christmas started off with trials, tribulations and loss. The GOOD LORD has seen fit to offer healing via youtube videos that touch the heart and soul. Thank you. Father Mike for a very compelling contribution that will help guide the lost sheep back to the Fold. I dearly want to believe that there is still hope for me and that I might be able to share that hope with others. Thank you and, Merry Chriastmas

[@yolandabogarin9932]

Merry Christmas Fr. Mike! It’s a wonderful life is also my favorite Christmas movie. Thank you for your sacrifice. Have a beautiful and blessed day.🎄🕊️🎁

[@maryleekennedy5896]

The holidays are very hard for people seniors who struggle so hard. Loneliness, trying to put food on table, just to survive. I can't buy presents and put food on table.

[@wisegalny7604]

Prayers can be a wonderful gift to others. I am praying for God's Will for everyone and for you in particular right now. I believe God uses each one of our circumstances to draw us closer to Him, to draw our hearts closer to His, for each scare to make us run into His open arms for each of His consolations to build our trust in Him to be stronger, more complete than ever before. God bless you, dear one. He's right here with us.

[@lorifontaine]

Hi Mary Lee. I'm lonely too--YOU are my gift. We're on this site, watching a video with Fr. Mike, TOGETHER, with Angels smiling around us. God led me to read some comments which I usually avoid, but here we are. Please accept a hug from Canada. It will get better. We never walk alone.

[@kelkabot]

Lori Fontaine, your words are so beautiful. Thank you. Hugs.

[@leamarie6039]

Happy Christmas Father Mike and to all the Ascension Staffs ❤❤❤Been a follower since 2015. God bless you always in your mission

[@Camelia.Andrea.Anamaria]

Merry Christmas, Father Mike!😊

[@mandericom]

Amen. Merry Christmas Fr. Mike✨

[@annebarber2368]

Thank you Father Mike

[@KCS704]

Father Mike, Thank you so much for this message. I really needed this message on this Christmas morning and in general lately. God Bless you and your works Father Mike! They are reaching God’s people. Pray for us and Merry Christmas!

[@TJ1920]

discouraged I pray that I will never become that discouraged There is always hope You are not alone Emanuel God is with us Something that bears repeating

[@mapinoita279]

God bless you always, Fr Mike!

[@mariac2441]

That was just beautiful, it resonates with me too. Its so easy to get discouraged when too many things go wrong at the one time. I've started to say to myself " dont think like that, remember God is always with you". Your enthusiasm and faith shines out from you, keep up the good work. ✝️

[@micaela-cd5ch]

Merry Christmas Fr. Mike. Thank you so much. You always know exactly what to say. I needed to hear that 💙

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

Merry Christmas to the world. For those who feel alone, forgotten, know that God is with you, even if it's hard to see right now. He never gives up on us, please don't give up on Him.

[@markantonelli53]

I wish I felt that to be the case, but I just don’t see it.

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

@@markantonelli53 Every night I set aside a few minutes before my night prayers to have a conversation with God. It's very informal. Tonight I will include you in our talk and ask for the Holy Spirit to make His presence known to you. Letting God in is simple, but I get it, it can seem hard. Maybe start with a simple conversation with God, a talk between friends. Every long journey starts with a small step. Take care brother and Merry Christmas from a friend you haven't met yet.

[@butterscotch2086]

I needed to hear this. Thank you and God bless you. Merry Christmas!

[@b8akaratn19]

Oh, thank you for putting this one out earlier in the day 😅 i am among those feeling alone, here, TOTALLY APPRECIATED this. Blessings for a peaceful Christmas, Ascension Folks, Duluth Folks, Fr. Mike who's awesome, and You, seeing this. 😊 🎄⛄🙏💙❣️🎁 And thank you, God & Mary, for bringing us Jesus & the Holy Spirit. ...if I look at it that way, yay, i already feel a bit less alone. 👋

[@mike.williams1999]

I don't know why nobody is talking about the book Your Life Your Game by Keezano. I read it last year, and it’s an excellent Catholic religious book. It beautifully shows how connecting with God and building meaningful relationships can lead to spiritual growth and success in both your personal and professional life. A must-read. God bless ❤️🙏🏼

[@kelkabot]

Thank you for sharing.

[@carlosgarza1962]

Thank you Father Mike. Merry Christmas to you

[@corinezein8374]

Amen and Amen 🙏 Just what I needed !!! Thank you Father Mike. I felt so empty yesterday night. Emmanuel 💜 hearing it from you again this morning is such a CONFIRMATION 🙌💫💪

[@michellemoore5605]

Thank you for this today Father Mike. This was needed. God bless and have a very Merry Christmas

[@KristinaCawley-n1f]

Merry Christmas, Father Mike!! I pray you are not discouraged, but encouraged. This was such a beautiful message. And It's A Wonderful Life is great. ^.^ 🥰

[@God_my_Savior]

Merry CHRISTmas Father Mike and all! Our King is born, i am never alone because i have God with all the time. Praised be Jesus Christ now and forever ❤️✝️🛐

[@Elena-kc3vw]

For all those alone - May the Holy Spirit enlighten you, guide you, console you, and strengthen you. May you truly feel Emmanuel - God is with us. ❤

[@fenrislyulf8861]

I always think of Psalm 42 when I get discouraged. This year I am completely without family, living in a place which has caused me great trauma, but with the help of God I do not feel alone. I am constantly reminded to seek the Lord no matter what is happening. Sometimes that is really hard but necessary. Thank you, Father Mike. Merry Christmas.

[@juanjunay8054]

I'm 40, broken, lonely, no goals in life. I appreciate this message for today, spending christmas like this is very hard.

[@VictoriaJones-b1m]

You aren’t alone. Hold on. You are cared for, sending my love and prayers 😽🙏

[@lrangele2590]

Merry Christmas Our Lord is with you😊

[@kristinking5899]

You are the perfect blank canvas for God to create a masterpiece with!! There is nothing holding you back from following Him then, just allow God in, allow yourself to receive His love and trust Him. Praying for you

[@ReinventingRogerOsorio]

God bless you, brother - you are not alone. Take this special day to think of what matters to you, what means something to you, and focus there to find goals that move you.

[@JOSEGONZALEZ-e3v3z]

Hey man. I've been there. It's a tough time. I've gone to church and sitting there and thinking what's the point. But then I see everyone else there. God exist. He will bring us joy and help find him in small things in our life.

[@trudibloski7505]

Thank you for this heartwarming message! Merry Christmas Fr Mike.

[@carolhensen8005]

I’m blessed, I love you for the message you gave us today. I love the Lord Jesus, praying,praying the rosary everyday, when I’m alone, I pray the rosary, walking,in my house alone….i tune you in for the lovely words of encouragement I love you Father Mike Thank you

[@MysticalWildflowers]

Merry Christmas to all! God Bless 🎄❤

[@sgomez1527]

Merry Christmas everyone! It is a true blessing to have you here ⭐️

[@kels4754]

This was a helpful message, thank you. I'm a protestant, wanting to learn more about Catholic beliefs. Merry Christmas, everyone ❤️

[@neil2763]

What an amazing message Father Mike. I’m not Catholic but I always watch your videos as I often hear God speak to me through you. Merry Christmas to you, all at Ascensions presents and everyone reading here.