5 Ways to Rejoice While Grieving During the Holidays
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The holidays are here, and it is a joyous time to celebrate Jesus’ miraculous birth as the Savior of the world. Typically, the holiday season is festive and filled with signs of hope and wonder. Nativity scenes, family dinners, ministry plays, and serving those who are in need are just a few ways that we celebrate the holidays.
While the holidays invite us to be joyous, it is difficult when we are grieving. When we may not feel like singing “Emmanuel,” the good news is that God is still with us and there is still a reason to rejoice. God will walk with us in our grief, comfort us, wipe our tears, listen to us, and remind us that we are not alone.
In a world where we are conditioned to move on quickly and not dwell for too long, Jesus gives us permission to weep. In John 11:35, Jesus wept for his friend Lazurus’ death. We can rejoice and weep at the same time. Rejoice and mourn for who or what we have lost, hold onto cherished memories or lessons, and be reminded that God is with us daily as we navigate our grief.
This holiday season, I am navigating my personal grief journey as I lost my grandmother recently. “Stand tall and be counted,” is the encouragement that my paternal grandmother always shared with me throughout the years, along with many other life lessons. This is my first Christmas without her, and my heart is heavy. While I am grieving her no longer physically being here, I’m so grateful that God allowed her to live 96 years and for the wonderful love, lessons, and memories we shared together.
When we grieve, the “merry” in Christmas becomes difficult at times. Despite our grief, there is hope as we continue to lean on God to help us as we move forward. God is with us as we sit in our pain, hold onto memories, and take one day at a time. If you are grieving during this holiday season and are seeking hope, here are five ways to rejoice:
1. Rejoice That God Is with You During Your Grief
Grieving can be difficult during the holidays, and we often become disconnected and detached from our routine holiday festivities. While we may feel isolated, God is with us as we grieve. We do not have to hold back our emotions or push them away; we can share our hurt, anger or frustration with God, and the good news is that He receives them all. God doesn’t want us to grieve in isolation, but He promises to comfort us in His Word.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
Emmanuel means God is with us, and we can rejoice knowing that God provides us with everything we need when we grieve. God isn’t going to abandon us when we find it difficult to move forward, but He will sustain and lift us up when we can’t move forward by ourselves.
Today, I invite you to give thanks that you don’t have to grieve alone, and that God is with you.
2. Rejoice in the Memories
If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, you can also rejoice in the memories that you shared, the lessons that were learned, and the experiences you had together. I invite you to pray to God on how you can keep the person’s memory alive in your own life or through future generations. Memories are sacred and God has blessed us with opportunities to continue to live them out daily.
During the holidays, you can fix your loved one’s favorite meal, listen to their favorite song, or reflect on your favorite times together. Rejoicing in our loved one’s favorite memories won’t lessen the sadness of the pain we may feel, but it is an encouraging way to stay connected in spirit with them and give thanks to God for the time that we did have.
When we celebrate memories, it also can encourage us to be inspired and live our lives to the fullest, living out our God-given purpose. Rejoicing with memories also helps us to remember God’s faithfulness and loving care for us.
3. Rejoice in Community
When we are grieving, it is easy to want to be left alone and not engage with those who want to offer support and care. When you are ready, I invite you to connect in community with those whom God has placed to encourage and speak life to you. It could be a family member, close friend, or church member whom God has sent to encourage your heart and remind you that you are not alone.
If you don’t want to go out, be open to someone coming over to sit with you or make your favorite meal or holiday treat.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
God provides us community to strengthen, support, and pray for us during grieving and difficult seasons. Depression, anxiety, and hopelessness often are real effects of grieving, but it is important to stay connected in community for a listening ear, sharing, and encouragement. Knowing that someone cares can help to lift our spirits and renew our perspective.
4. Rejoice with Rest
The holidays are an extremely busy time, and it is important to rest while grieving. Resting is essential to renew and restore your body and spirit. Spending quiet time with God in prayer and devotion are also important ways to rest your mind. It is common to want to stay busy to cope with grief or avoid it. However, pausing to rest is a healthy way to lean on God for support and restoration.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Today, I invite you to rest and rejuvenate in ways that are life-giving for your soul.
5. Rejoice in Christ’s Birth
If you are having difficulty this holiday season because you are grieving, I invite you to find hope by revisiting and rejoicing in Christ’s birth which is the true reason for the season. Read or meditate on Christ’s birth in Scripture and the miracle that it is! Give thanks for Jesus coming to save and redeem us from our sins!
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
When we feel hopeless, Christ’s birth and life gives us hope that we worship a Savior who will give us peace when we are grieving.
Navigating grief is ongoing and complex, but the good news is that we do not have to navigate it alone. God is with us, comforts us, and provides us community that will walk alongside us. We do not have to rush the process or minimize the loss that we have experienced. During the holidays and beyond, I want to encourage you that there is hope for our hurting hearts. God will heal, restore, and renew our brokenness. Let us be encouraged in the purpose and hope that comes from the miraculous story of Christ’s birth.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Kerkez
