Spending the holidays at Teen Challenge can be a tough season for our clients. What is typically a time for family, gatherings, and traditions can feel like a loss.

However, for those committed to their recovery, the hope of spending next Christmas with restored relationships and new healthy traditions is the best gift they could give themselves and their families!

Reflecting on Christmases of the past can be a painful process. The holidays tend to put pressure on relationships, finances, and expectations which can result in erratic decisions. Maybe it was too much celebrating at a company Christmas party, a drunken family dinner that got out of hand or selling Christmas presents for drug money.

These situations happen to families across Canada and while we sing about this being the “most wonderful time of the year” it is often the most stressful time of the year – particularly for those with loved ones in active addiction.

At Teen Challenge Canada, our counselors and coaches help our clients face these difficult memories and receive healing through God’s forgiveness and grace. Christmas celebrates Jesus coming to earth so that he could cover the cost of our sins and give the gift of true freedom, hope, and the promise of a new life.

This year, there will be an empty chair at many family tables as their loved one spends the holidays at a Teen Challenge Canada centre. But, instead of sadness they are filled with hope as they see them walking the road to recovery.

For men and women at our centres, the holidays can be challenging – yes. But it can also be the most beautiful and meaningful season of their time here. The healthy relationships that are built with other clients as well as connections with staff mean these brave individuals are experiencing Christmas in a new light.

Within the walls of this safe place, they are free to celebrate without the triggers and temptations that typically flood holiday parties. The focus can be on the true meaning of the season – God’s gift to us. Emanual.

The road to recovery is difficult and takes a lot of hard work. But, when our clients can look ahead to next Christmas and imagine what life will look like, the hard work is worth the effort!

Our prayer is that future Christmases focus on healthy family connections, sober celebrations, and rejoicing in the best gift of all – God sending his son as a sacrifice for our sins.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Will you pray for those spending the holidays at Teen Challenge this year? Please pray for:

• Encouragement as they face memories from Christmases past
• Comfort as they celebrate the holiday away from loved ones
• Peace as they experience the forgiveness, love, and grace of God

If you would like to share a word of encouragement and greetings for the season with our clients, please complete our online form. Our staff will ensure your message reaches the men and women at our centres.