The Father I Needed: My Christmas Story of Faith and Hope

Growing up, I was one of the most overlooked people in my school. I didn’t stand out much—no special attention, no accolades. Though I loved basketball and had many interests, the environment I was in often felt too big for me. The school I attended was filled with beautiful, talented students who seemed to effortlessly win the admiration of teachers and peers. I often felt unseen, unheard, and unloved, grappling with low self-esteem and questions about my worth.

But amidst all of this, there was one person who never overlooked me—Jesus Christ.

Whenever I entered a church, I would hear the same message: “You are a royal treasure. You are a chosen generation. You are set apart.” Those words from Scripture spoke life into me and planted a seed of hope in my heart. What was I set apart for? A purpose—one that was hidden in Christ Jesus.

At the age of 14, I remember kneeling in prayer, feeling broken yet hopeful. My prayer to Jesus was simple: “Everyone in church says You are a heavenly Father, so I want You to be that for me. I want Your unconditional love, and I want You to guide me always.” And He did.

When I dedicated my life to Christ, everything began to change—not because I suddenly became someone extraordinary, but because I started to focus on Him. I stopped looking for validation from people, for approval from the world. Instead, I clung to God’s word, which declares that I am loved, seen, and valued by my Creator.

This shift in focus changed my priorities. At an age when many are pulled toward distractions—partying, addictions, relationships that don’t build up—I found myself drawn to things that mattered. I began to value my education, and my grades began to improve. Looking back, I know this wasn’t because of my abilities alone, but because of God’s grace and the Holy Spirit guiding me.

Christ shielded me from so much—distractions, harmful relationships, and struggles that could have pulled me away from my purpose. He gave me focus, peace, and a clear mind. The greatest gift, I’ve come to realize, is mental health—the ability to think clearly, to remain calm under pressure, and to stay hopeful in difficult times.

There were moments when sadness and hopelessness tried to overwhelm me. In those times, my prayer was simple: “Jesus, protect me from depression. I don’t want to lose my mental health.” And He answered.

Years later, as I prepared to study abroad, I saw God’s faithfulness again. I prayed for guidance to the right school—and He led me. I prayed for provision in the form of scholarships—and He provided. Every step I have taken, every achievement I have attained, has been marked by prayer and God’s response as a loving Father.

This is why Christmas means so much to me. The message of Christmas is this: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Christ’s birth was the beginning of God’s greatest gift to humanity. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He offers us freedom—freedom from sin, sickness, depression, loneliness, and hopelessness.

For me, this is not just a theological truth but a personal testimony. Jesus has been my:

• Healer – Jehovah Rapha, protecting me from sickness and renewing my mind.
• Provider – Jehovah Jireh, who meets every need.
• Peace – Jehovah Shalom, who quiets every storm.
• Purpose-Giver – The One who gives meaning to my life.

When you fix your eyes on Jesus, everything changes. You stop chasing things that the world glorifies—things that leave you empty. Instead, you start living a meaningful life. He protects you from relationships and decisions that would bring harm, and He leads you into purpose.

This Christmas, I want to encourage anyone who feels unseen, unheard, unloved, lonely, or hopeless—turn to Jesus. Cast all your burdens on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). He will restore your life, give you peace, and fill you with joy. He will heal the broken places and replace sorrow with hope.

The name of Jesus carries all we need—healing, provision, love, and purpose. With Him, you will finish the race of life well. You will know peace in this life and joy in the next, when you see Him face to face.

That is the true message of Christmas: that God loved us enough to send His Son to save us, heal us, and give us a life filled with purpose.

If you are struggling today, I invite you to call on His name—Jesus Christ. He is waiting for you with open arms.