Not very long ago there was a time in my life where I felt I was “living the American dream.” We were a two income family with two vehicles, a mortgage, and three beautiful girls. I was a part of the PTO as a room mom. My husband was working a great job with great pay and benefits, and I was a middle school teacher. Life was great.

Until my husband and I started fighting more, and loving less. My job became more stressful, and his job started firing and laying off.

Things were far from perfect between us.  We started couples therapy, but things were not improving. During the counseling is when I discovered that I was severely depressed. I entered an outpatient treatment center and began 4 months of treatment.  While there my diagnosis changed to bipolar with severe depression.

During all of this I was praying to get my old life back, for God to rescue me from this pain and confusion.  I gave up on life and attempted suicide two time.  How could I keep going?  Could I ever be happy again? 

Little did I know that my deep valley would have a mountain. God has rescued me from the deep darkness of depression.  Though I didn’t get my “old life” back, my marriage was rescued too.  I have received much love and support from my church family. 

—Toshunda Washington

Light: The candle of PEACE 

Read: He’s here, JSB p. 176 (Luke 1-2)


Ask: Is there anything from which you need to take a break in order to make more room for Jesus?

Pray: Thank God for the birth of Jesus and that He came to live with us. Thank God for being with you always.

Jesse Tree Ornament: Manger

Act: Save physical space for Jesus (at your table, in your car, in your bedroom, on your couch) as a reminder that he is with you always.

Listen: Sweet Little Jesus Boy