298 Finding Hope While Grieving at Christmas: Practical Tips for Navigating the Holidays with Hope

Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary:

For many, the holiday season is synonymous with joy, family, and celebration. But for others, it brings a heavy reminder of loss and sorrow. Grief can take many forms—the loss of a loved one, a relationship that ended, or even a dream that was never realized. Today, we will navigate this journey together and explore how, even in the midst of grief, we can find glimpses of hope. You are not alone in this, and we’ll spend time talking about practical strategies, share stories, and dig into Scripture to see what God says about our pain.

Quotables from the episode:

• I want to start by acknowledging your grief. During the Christmas season, there’s often a societal expectation to be cheerful and merry, but if you’re dealing with loss, that expectation can feel impossible to meet. Maybe it’s the first Christmas without a loved one, or perhaps the memories from past years are bittersweet. Your pain is real, and it’s valid. Remember that Jesus was familiar with grief.
• The shortest verse in the Bible, ‘Jesus wept’ (John 11:35), shows us that even the Savior of the world mourned with those He loved. He is not indifferent to your sorrow.
• The Psalms are filled with the raw, honest emotions of those who suffered, reminding us that we can bring our pain to God, and He meets us there.
• Grief is not linear, and it doesn’t follow a predictable timeline. It’s normal for grief to feel sharper around the holidays. Instead of suppressing your emotions or feeling like you need to ‘move on,’ give yourself the space to grieve. Remember that Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens.
• Rest doesn’t mean the absence of grief, but the presence of God in the midst of it.
• Traditions can be both comforting and painful. If certain traditions feel like too much to handle, give yourself permission to simplify. This might be the year you skip decorating the tree or decide not to host a large gathering.
• Consider creating a new tradition that honors your loss while bringing some comfort. Perhaps lighting a candle at the dinner table, donating in your loved one’s name, or hanging a special ornament in their memory.
• Grief and joy can coexist. Even in the midst of sorrow, there can be moments of beauty and joy—if we’re open to seeing them. This could be as simple as enjoying a favorite Christmas song, taking a walk in nature, or sitting quietly with a warm drink.
• Grief can feel incredibly isolating, especially during a season that emphasizes togetherness. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to walk this journey alone.
• Christmas, at its core, is about the hope of Jesus. It’s easy to get caught up in the decorations, presents, and festivities, but the real meaning of Christmas is that Jesus came to be with us—God with us, Immanuel.
• He came into a broken world to bring light in the darkness. When grief feels overwhelming, return to this truth: that Jesus came to bind up the brokenhearted and bring hope to the hopeless.

Scripture References:

• John 11:35 ‘Jesus wept.’
• Matthew 11:28 says, “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’”
• Zephaniah 3:17 says, ‘The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.’
• Galatians 6:2 reminds us to ‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.’ Sometimes, we need others to help carry the weight of our grief.”
• Isaiah 9:2 says, ‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.’
• Psalm 34:18 - ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’
• 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.’
• Matthew 5:4 - ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’

Recommended Resources:

• How Do You Overcome Grief after the Death of a Child? – Episode 273
• Find Strength in Sorrow: 15 Essential Tips to Survive Grief
• Healing from Grief: Tips for Coping with Grief and Loss
• How To Recover from Grief and Embrace Life – Episode 230
• How To Navigate Grief and Loss
• How To Deal with Grief and Maintain our Hope – Episode 153
• How To Find Hope in the Midst of Grief – Episode 70
• Grief at Christmas: 10 Ways to Help
• Help for the Grief-Stricken: 3 Anchors that Held Me in Grief
• 10 Things Grieving Parents Need and Don’t Need
• Grieving with Hope After the Loss of a Loved One
• Hope in Widowhood: How to Help a Grieving Widow – Episode 8
• How To Help a Grieving Friend
• Hope for the Grieving Parent: How to Help a Grieving Friend – Episode 3
• Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms
• Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
• Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Trusting God Through Cancer 1
• Trusting God Through Cancer 2
• Revive & Thrive Women's Conference
• Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.)
• Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win

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Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, a national and international media resource on mental health, and the bestselling, award-winning author of Hope Prevails, the Hope Prevails Bible Study, Today Is Going to Be a Good Day, Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, The Hem of His Garment, and Sacred Scars. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Your Hope-Filled Perspective. A board-certified clinical neuropsychologist in private practice for more than twenty years, Dr. Bengtson blogs regularly and offers a wide variety of resources on her website, DrMichelleB.com.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson