3 Important Truths to Remember when your “Holiday feels more like a Hole-iday”

My heart was breaking for them.

It was their first Holiday without their mom.  My dear friend had passed in August 2016 and as the Holidays approached, I knew it was going to be a difficult Christmas for her kids.

Sometimes “Christmas can feel more like a hole-iday than a holiday.”

I heard this quote in Max Lucado’s Christmas book, Because of Bethlehem. Sadly, I think many of us have felt this way.  Can you relate?  Are you feeling deep sadness this Holiday season?  Are you grieving the loss of a loved one?

First let me say that I am so sorry.  I understand how hard it is to deeply miss someone you love.

I want to encourage you today with 3 important truths to remember when “your Holiday feels more like a Hole-iday.”

1. Remember “when everything shakes, God remains unshaken.”

This is another great quote from Max’s book, Because of Bethlehem. This is so good, let me say it again:

Friends, when your world gets turned upside down, please cling to the truth that God has not changed. Your circumstances may have changed, but you are still a child of God, chosen and deeply loved.

2. Remember God is faithful!  

Friends, God’s presence became so real to me in my grief. I can confidently say that He will walk with you through this difficult time and offer you comfort and love.  I know it is not easy to walk through loss; it is even harder around the Holidays.

Please give yourself lots of grace.  Surround yourself with friends and family that can offer empathy.  Be honest about how you are feeling and let others know what you need. 

3. Remember that God sees you and has not forgotten you. 

When you feel alone, please cling to the truth that God “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” (Psalms 34:18) He wants to walk through your grief with you. Seek Him daily and let him turn your pain into His purpose.

I am praying for all the hurting hearts this Christmas season.   

Love, Jodi

Note: This week on my Depth podcast, Lisa Appelo shares her powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness in her grief. Eight years ago, Lisa became a sudden widow and single mom to her 7 children. You do not want to miss how she has found hope in the middle of her hard circumstances, 

To listen, click on the following link: https://link.chtbl.com/vZzTid7o