The Sufferer’s Holiday

Earlier this week I was blessed to host a Surviving the Holidays event with the Grief Share program. As the topic of Christmas was presented in the video, one of the counselors commented that Christmas is the sufferer’s holiday. It’s the season that reminds us that God understands our hurts and heartaches at the loss of a loved one.

It’s why He sent His Son…..to end suffering, sin and pain. It’s why we can look at this season with hope in the promise that one day, He will wipe away every tear and there will be no more death.

Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise and His birth is the reason to celebrate and take hold of the hope and joy that His presence brings.

I had the privilege of looking into the eyes of one of the participants and seeing a smile on her face and tears in her eyes as she said, “He is the reason.” She knew without a doubt that her pain and loss were known by the Lord and that she had a reason for hope in Christ.

What a beautiful way to capture the true holiday spirit. It’s not about the gatherings or the gifts. It’s about the One who gives us a reason to celebrate every day of the year. It’s about the One who loves and comforts us long after the holiday ends. It’s about the One who has made a way for us to truly experience hope and joy in what lies ahead.

Thank you Lord for making a way, for giving us hope and for Your amazing love and comfort. I pray that this season will bring a new understanding of the wonderful God we serve. Help us to share the true meaning of Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, our Redeemer, our God……our Everything!