This week I am writing this email as I prepare to share this Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family. At the same time my house is decorated for Christmas… yes, we are “those” people. Our house has been decorated for Christmas since before my birthday earlier in the month.

So, with Christmas all around me, it is not hard to be thinking of Jesus. And today I was thinking about the name of Jesus. 

Do you ever feel discouraged? We all do at one time or another. Maybe you are feeling discouraged right now.

• Maybe your marriage is not bringing the feelings you expected.
• Maybe being a parent is not what you though it was going to be.
• Maybe your job is not living up to what you wanted.
• Maybe you are feeling disconnected from old friends.
• Maybe you feel disconnected at church.

Whatever it is, discouragement leaves you feeling like an outsider at places that you once were very much the insider. You used to feel like you fit in, but now you’re not so sure you belong anymore.