Skip to main content
Skip to navigation

Jesus doesn’t owe you happiness this Christmas… but he did come to be with you in the dark times

By Rachael Newham2021-12-14T09:30:00

8C81AF07-A92E-4B11-A94C-FFD27541A796

Source: Supplied

As Christians we can sometimes be tricked into believing that Jesus came to make us happy. Writer Rachael Newham explains how the prosperity gospel has crept into our thinking, when really Jesus’ promise is far greater.

To continue reading, register today for more access!

If you are a member or a registered user, or if you already have a login for another Premier website SIGN IN HERE

Woman Alive magazine, website, tablet and phone

Sign up for your free account now!

Registering is quick and easy and gives you immediate access to read more articles, plus:

You’ll receive a weekly newsletter every Saturday with the top stories of the week
You can save articles to read later
You can share your comments and thoughts on the stories

Or become a member today for unlimited access! Special offers are available!

If you already have an account with a Premier website SIGN IN HERE

Related articles

Article
Creativity connects us to God

2025-08-27T11:05:00Z By Sinead McLeod

Prayer and Reflection for September
Article
Are you ready to let go and let God?

2025-08-27T11:04:00Z By Katherine Chow

Rev Katherine Chow talks about uncertainty bias and how a transatlantic move helped her grow in ways she could never have foreseen
Article
The truth about the Holy Spirit

2025-08-27T11:04:00Z By Margaret Feinberg

Margaret Feinberg reveals how the Holy Spirit didn’t suddenly appear at Pentecost, we can see the Spirit’s presence at work throughout the Bible, and in our lives today

More from Opinion

Opinion
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce – why we love a love story

2025-08-27T08:21:00Z By Jemimah Wright

Jemimah Wright explores Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, and why we can’t resist a love story. Could our fascination with romance point to the only love that truly satisfies: the love of Christ?
Opinion
The curse of perfectionism - what does it look like and how can we be free?

2025-08-27T05:59:00Z By Katherine O'Neill

Katherine O’Neill explores the exhausting illusion of perfection in today’s filtered, fast-paced world, her invitation to let go of pressure and pursue love over performance feels especially timely, reminding us that we are most ‘perfect’ when we reflect God’s love, not the world’s ideals.
Opinion
Aubrey Plaza’s "ocean of awfulness", finding hope in the midst of grief

2025-08-26T05:29:00Z By Jemimah Wright

When actress Aubrey Plaza spoke of her grief after the tragic death of her husband, her words resonated with raw honesty. Jemimah Wright reflects on Plaza’s story, her quiet Catholic roots, and the hope Jesus offers to all who mourn.