Finding Comfort in Signs: After Christmas Reflections
The magic of Christmas lies in the love we share, the memories we create, and the joy of bringing our loved ones together. This year, my husband and I had the honor of hosting Christmas Day celebrations. Decorating the house, shopping for gifts, and preparing for the day filled my heart with gratitude. It’s a blessing to be able to host as we celebrate the birth of Jesus each year, despite the effort it takes.
But when the day’s busyness faded into the quiet of the night, my emotions began to surface. Lying in the stillness of my dark bedroom, a familiar ache washed over me—the ache of missing my son, gone for over a year now. Memories of past Christmases when he was with us came rushing back, filling my thoughts and leaving my heart heavy. The quiet moments, when distractions are gone, seem to amplify the pain of loss. Tears fell in abundance as the weight of grief pressed me into what’s called a good ugly cry.
In those moments, that’s when I turn to prayer, seeking solace in the presence of God. “Jesus, I know You love him too. Thank You for the years we shared with him. God, if it’s allowed, please let him know how much we miss and love him.” With a cup of chamomile tea in hand and a prayer on my lips, peace eventually found me, and I drifted to sleep.
Signs of Comfort
A wave of wonder and comfort swept over me. Was it just a fluke? Or was it something more? I thought back to my prayer the night before, asking Jesus to let my son know he’s loved and missed. In that moment, it felt as if God was responding in the most tender and personal way, reminding me that my son is with Him, and he is loved and cared for.
Faith in the Subtle Moments
Some might dismiss these experiences as mere coincidences or wishful thinking. But I’ve learned to trust the subtle ways God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit. This wasn’t the first time I’ve felt His presence in deeply personal ways, and it likely won’t be the last. For me, these moments are reminders that God hears our prayers and knows the desires of our hearts.
As I reflected on the events of the day, I was reminded of my mother’s unwavering faith. Despite her own profound losses, including a three-month-old daughter and a stillborn son, she leaned on God’s grace to carry her through. She grieved, yes, but she wasn’t consumed by fear or despair. Her strength came not from herself but from God’s presence in her life.
A Question for You
Have you ever felt that God was showing you a sign? Perhaps in an unexpected kindness from a stranger, a perfectly timed message, or even in a flickering candle or a music box? I believe that when we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, we begin to see God’s hand in the moments that seem too poignant to be mere chance.
As Psalm 57:1 reminds us, we can take refuge in Him during our times of sorrow and uncertainty: “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”
This Christmas, I’m grateful not only for the joy of family and celebration but for the quiet reassurance that love transcends all boundaries, including the boundary between heaven and earth.
Have you experienced moments where you felt God’s presence or reassurance? If so, I would love to hear how God’s love has revealed itself in your life. In sharing these moments, we’re reminded that God’s love surrounds us and that we are never truly alone.
