Families gather during the Christmas season. For some that means fun, laughter, and worship. But to others, that means anxiety. Travel, money, sleeping arrangements, food requirements, and different schedules sometimes cause disruptions and frustrations.

Jesus knows. He placed himself in our world—a disruptive world that didn’t accept him or embrace his message. He arrived during a turbulent time in history and escaped a vicious attack by a jealous king. He withstood temptation in order to be the perfect sacrifice and bridge the gap created by sin so that we can join him in heaven someday.

Paul’s admonition to the Philippians seems uncomfortably simple: “Do not be anxious about anything . . . present your requests to God.”

Jesus understands. He felt the pain of rejection. He knows what it is to be misunderstood. He felt weak and turned to his Father for strength. When we turn to him, we turn to one who knows and cares and promises to help us persevere.