The holiday season brings warmth, gatherings, service, and a sense of promise. Yet it also arrives for many during moments of personal difficulty or during periods when the world seems unsettled. For Latter-day Saints, the invitation to be of good cheer can feel both tender and demanding. It is an expression given by the Savior during turbulent periods in His disciples’ lives, and it continues to offer guidance for modern believers who seek steadiness even when life feels crowded by uncertainty.
In John 16:33, be of good cheer is spoken not as a casual encouragement but as a declaration anchored in divine presence. When Christ urged His followers to take courage, He did so while acknowledging their concerns. This pattern provides a foundation for navigating personal trials today. Being of good cheer does not ignore hardship. It rises within it. The Saints throughout history suffered loss, displacement, poverty, and conflict. Their ability to press forward came from trust in the One who walked with them. During moments when a disciple feels alone, the gospel narrative insists that no path is traveled without companionship from above.
During the holiday season, the symbolism of light carries added meaning. Light in LDS thought denotes truth, revelation, and hope. Even small efforts to invite light into daily routines can change how burdens feel. Prayer said at the close of a long day, quiet scripture reading before dawn, or service offered without conditions can kindle strength that grows slowly but steadily. The Savior spoke of giving peace not as the world gives, but a peace which works from the inside outward. It steadies the heart. When the world’s news cycles turn heavy, the peace of Christ guards the soul against discouragement and creates space for a faithful outlook.
Be of good cheer is also a reminder that joy can be chosen during difficulty. Alma described the ability to sing the song of redeeming love even while facing adversity. Nephi wrote of feeling supported by the Lord despite his afflictions. Their messages do not promise an absence of sorrow. They describe an inner resilience built through covenants and personal devotion. Modern disciples can draw upon the same sources. When family challenges weigh heavily or when health concerns arise without quick solutions, covenant belonging offers a spiritual foundation that does not shift. Ordinances bind individuals to Christ. This connection gives confidence that no trial is wasted, and no faithful effort goes unnoticed.
Community also plays a role in this invitation. The restored gospel calls members to lift one another through ministering, kindness, and shared worship. To be of good cheer is easier when surrounded by people who care. A visit from a ministering brother or sister can soften loneliness. A ward gathering can strengthen the belief that goodness persists even during difficult seasons. Bearing one another’s burdens has always been central to discipleship. Through small and consistent acts of fellowship, Saints create an environment in which cheerfulness grows naturally.
During holidays, it is common to feel the pressure of expectations. Families may face strained relationships or financial pressures that challenge their ability to feel joy. In these moments, Christ’s example offers clarity. He never asked His followers to pretend their circumstances were different. Instead, He urged them to trust His promises. Believers can follow this path by focusing on simple daily faithfulness. Moments of gratitude, even brief ones, can shift perspective. Remembering past mercies can strengthen confidence in future help. Looking for opportunities to serve can open the heart to quiet joy.
The teachings of modern prophets reinforce the same invitation. They speak of cheerful endurance and of drawing near to the Savior through sincere discipleship. They encourage members to rely on prayer, to keep covenants with devotion, and to strengthen families with love and patience. Their messages are not grounded in naïve optimism. They are grounded in knowing the Lord continues to guide His people through changing times. When Saints choose to hold fast to this trust, fear loses its grip and hope becomes more than a seasonal sentiment.
As the world moves through turbulent events and as individuals face personal trials, the call to be of good cheer becomes a gift rather than a burden. It points toward a future shaped by divine purpose. It affirms Christ’s power reaches into every difficulty and brings meaning to every step taken in faith. During this holiday season, disciples can let this assurance settle into their hearts. They can welcome the small joys obtained through worship, fellowship, and service. They can move forward with courage shaped by the knowledge that the Savior who once comforted His original disciples continues to speak peace to all who follow Him.
To be of good cheer is not a denial of sorrow. It is an expression of faith in a Redeemer who knows every fear and every hope. His promise endures through turmoil and calm alike. This season offers an opportunity to lean into this promise with renewed devotion and to discover a deeper, steadier happiness that can grow even during challenging times.
