This morning I want to share with you a but from a devotional I got this morning from Joni and Friends! Joni Eareckson Tada…I love her devotionals…..she wrote: No one but God was in charge of Christmas the night Jesus was born. Salvation had been prepared before the foundations of the world. God’s sovereign hand worked in the details of history so that all would be fulfilled as promised. It seems that the holidays aggravate our need to control and arrange. Great words from Joni! Daily life is hectic enough. The responsibilities of managing Christmas moments zaps us! It can ruin Christmas! Please now listen to my podcast for this day!
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From Dr. Michelle Bengtson: How do you help someone who is grieving at Christmas?
Holidays are hard following the loss of a loved one. After the funeral, life gets back to normal for almost everyone except those grieving. They are forgotten in the midst of their grief and loss.
Grief is not limited only to situations where loss occurs from the death of a loved one or a friend. Grief and loss also happen due to divorce and break-ups, deployment of a loved one in the military, or grief from the loss of employment to name a few.
10 ways to help the grieving at Christmas:
- Pay attention to how your loved one is handling their grief. Each person handles grief in a different way.
- Don’t assume you know what will help. Ask your loved one.
- For some, talking about their loss may help. But, for others, talking makes it worse. Ask your loved one if it would help to talk about their loss.
- Celebrating traditions may help your loved one cherish memories. Ask if they would like to continue those celebrations.
- Give a gift of remembrance in honor of the deceased. Purchase an ornament that honors the loved one that is no longer with you. Or, select a favorite picture and frame it.
- Plant a tree in loving memory or make a donation to a charity.
- Let your loved one cry. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
- Your loved one may seem quiet or distant this holiday season. Be sensitive. Show sympathy and understanding.
- Encourage your loved one’s participation in events but be respectful if they choose to watch instead.
- Sometimes just being there speaks louder than words. Practice the art of listening.
You can’t take away your loved one’s grief but you can be present to provide comfort in their grief.
How will you help the grieving this Christmas?
For more hope and posts like this, visit Dr. Bengtson’s website:https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com or follow her on Facebook:https://www.Facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson
To learn more about “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression,” Dr. Bengtson’s newly released book, see: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/.