grief during the holidays
The holidays trigger emotions in people who have suffered the loss of loved ones. Grief during the holidays can…
- Bring back memories that bring a mix of sadness and joy/laughter
- Leave behind an empty feeling —with someone missing
- Diminish one’s enjoyment of traditional family activities
You might ask, how do I get through my grief during the holidays and remain strong?
Two Ways of Dealing with Grief During the Holidays
Because of grief, I know some people who try to stay strong by isolating themselves around Christmas, for example. Others I know struggle a great deal emotionally and need people to talk to and walk alongside them.
In my visitation ministry, my wife and I drove about 20 minutes over to the house of an elderly lady to bring a card and spend time with her. She neither had any plans for Christmas nor family around. Such a visit meant a lot to this lady.
What is the best way to remain strong in the midst of grief during the holidays? What encouragement can I find in the Scriptures?
Although many verses in the Bible are generic in nature, we can draw from those passages many applications.
I want to share seven Scriptures with you that offer ways you can cope with grief, and in my view, this specifically can apply to the holidays, when it’s especially difficult.
Note how each verse portrays the personal, relational nature of God as well as His care and closeness to us...
Scripture on Dealing with Grief During the holidays
1. Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
As burdened as you may feel during the holidays, you can go to God anytime 24/7 and find refuge in God from all of those challenging emotions. Sit in His presence.
2. Hebrews 13:5
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Grief can cause feelings of loneliness, especially around the holidays. However, it’s comforting to know that God will never abandon us.
3. Isaiah 66:13
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…”
Through the holiday season, we can rest in the truth that God will comfort us, if we let Him.
4. II Corinthians 1:4
"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
Those who grieve during the holidays can reach out to others who are dealing with loss. Each person’s situation is unique, but since grief is a universal experience, you can still relate to others and come alongside them as they journey through a difficult time.
5. John 16:22
"And ye now therefore have sorrow (now is your time of grief): but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."
Christ offers Himself in the midst of our grief. The holidays may be an especially difficult time for you. But you can look to Christ, embrace hope, and allow Him to restore your joy.
6. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This verse conveys a sense of God's care and availability to us.
7. Psalm 119:50
"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
When grieving during the holidays, you might ask yourself, “How am I going to get through this? I encourage you to hang on to the promises of God. If you meditate on passages about God’s attributes, His love and care for you, as well as the teaching from the Scriptures about reaching out to others, etc., that should help.
8. Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
When grief overwhelms during the holidays, bring your pain to God. Amid holiday grief, God offers a peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding your heart and mind with His loving presence.
9. Romans 15:13
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
Even in the midst of grief, the Holy Spirit can fill you with hope, joy, peace, and a deep sense of God's presence during the holiday season.
Remember joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is based on outward circumstances. We don't have to be happy if we're grieving, but joy is internal, rooted in the innermost depths of our hearts and spirits. Joy is a gift that only God can provide, even in the midst of life’s most difficult circumstances.
10. Isaiah 41:10
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
When grief feels overwhelming during the holidays, God promises to strengthen and uphold you with His unwavering support.
11. Isaiah 26:3
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
When grief feels overwhelming, God promises perfect peace to those who keep their minds focused on Him and trust in His unfailing care.
12. Revelation 21:4
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
The holidays can be a time of longing for loved ones lost, but this verse assures us of a future where God will remove all sorrow and restore eternal joy.
13. Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
During the holidays, when grief feels overwhelming, you can find comfort in knowing that God draws near to those who are hurting and provides His healing presence.
14. Psalm 42:11
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
Even in the depths of grief, particularly around the holidays, you can place your hope in God, trusting Him to restore your joy and sustain you through this season.
15. Matthew 5:4
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."
In your grief this holiday season and beyond, Jesus assures you that comfort is not only promised but deeply personal, offered directly by God to those who mourn.
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At the following Amazon link, my latest e-book, Grief Prayers: Finding Comfort and Strength in the Journey of Sorrow is now available:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DQQFKQQL?ref_=dbs_mng_crcw_0&storeType=ebooks
Note: the free book promotional period is set for the following period/dates:
Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 12:00 AM PST until...Thursday, December 19, 2024, 11:59 PM PST
After this period ends, another one will be set up for next week during Christmas.
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Also, for more encouragement from the Scriptures in relation to grief, check out my page, Dealing with Grief and Loss.