When Your Heart Grieves at Christmas

My mom took her last breath on earth and caught her first glimpse of heaven on December 13, 1996. In that moment, grief and joy became forever coupled in how I experienced Christmas–even 26 years later.

Many of us walk through this season strapped with the weight of grief. Sometimes we carry the weight like marbles worn smooth through the years. Some years we stagger and break under its weight. And some years it’s a combination of both when just the smell of baking gingerbread cookies floods our hearts with sadness and catches us off guard.

Grieving is a life-long process that doesn’t press pause just because it’s Christmastime. Christmas brings both grief and joy. And God meets us in both of those spaces.

Meeting God in the Grief and in the Joy

The Lord holds space for your grieving heart at Christmas. He understands. After all, the Christmas story is one of both joy over the birth of our Savior and grief over what He went through on our behalf. The Father knew what His one and only Son was going to endure on our behalf–the pain, the suffering, the sacrifice. And He sent Him anyway as a gift for us. That’s how much He loves us. That’s how much He loves you. And while the grieving process can feel lonely, He never leaves you alone. 

6 Truths about God to Give You Comfort in Your Grieving Process

1. He sees you.

“Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, ‘You are the God who sees me.’” – Genesis 16:13

2. He understands you.

“You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.” – Psalm 139:2

3. He listens to you.

“Because he bends down to listen,  I will pray as long as I have breath!” – Psalm 116:2

 4. He holds your tears.

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” – Psalm 56:8

5. He comforts you.

“If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.” – Psalm 34:18 The Message

6. He walks with you. 

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4

A Prayer for the Grieving Heart at Christmastime

Father, thank You for the gift of your Son. I honestly want to approach Christmas full of joy and laughter but my heart is broken. There are times when I feel okay but then other times I just want to retreat to my own home and my own thoughts. Lord, I need the comfort that only You can provide. I need You to lead me through this grieving process. And when I start to doubt that You even hear my prayers, increase my faith and trust in You. Amen.

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As a writer and speaker, Lisa’s heart beats for encouraging women, supporting parents in their role as a child’s first and best teacher, and pointing people to Jesus. Lisa lives in north Atlanta, with her husband of 25+ years, Clay, and their two daughters, Emerson and Ellery.  To learn more, follow Lisa on Instagram, visit her website or order her devotional, Simplifying Rest.