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Coping with Holiday Grief

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Biblical Strategies for Coping with Holiday Grief

The holidays can be a difficult time for many of us who are dealing with various forms of grief. Whether due to loss, illness, or other personal struggles, dealing with the emotions brought on by the Christmas season can be overwhelming.

What is Grief?

Grief is an important part of life and the normal response to a significant loss.

Grief is a normal, healthy response for anyone who has experienced the loss of something or someone they have valued or have had an emotional investment in. It is the healthy process we all use when trying to cope with and work through any significant loss. The grieving process is the period of adjustment a person needs in trying to find a sense of normalcy while simultaneously processing how their loss has changed or impacted their life.

What are the Types of Grief and Loss?

Types of losses may include:

  • Death of a family member or close friend
  • Relationships
  • Health Losses Such as Sight, Hearing, or Mobility
  • Divorce
  • Financial Or Social Status
  • Loss of a Home Due to A Natural Disaster
  • A Move/Re-Location to Another City
  • Miscarriage
  • Career
  • A Lifestyle Change Can Feel Like a Loss, Even If It Is a Healthy Change.  

Grief work is that painful process of mourning and working toward acceptance.

Comfort and Hope from God’s Word

Fortunately, the Bible provides us with advice and strategies to help us manage our grief during this special time of year. The Scriptures help the grieving person realize the meaning of biblical hope.  It is not just a strong wish or hope against hope – it is a confident expectation.

Deuteronomy 31:6

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God is your dwelling place,
    and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 71:20-21

20 You who have made me see many troubles and calamities
    will revive me again;
from the depths of the earth
    you will bring me up again.
21 You will increase my greatness
    and comfort me again.

Psalm 73:23

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
    you hold my right hand.

Psalm 103:17

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
    and his righteousness to children’s children

Matthew 28:20

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Romans 8:38-39

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

Hope in the Face of Painful Loss

1 Thessalonians 4:13 encourages us to “encourage one another and build each other up.” Connecting with others in a supportive way can do wonders for managing grief during the holiday season and beyond. Reaching out to close family and friends – whether through a phone call, text message, or email – can provide comfort, companionship, and an outlet for your emotions.

The Bible also reminds us that grief is a normal response to hardship and pain (Isaiah 61:3). We may feel guilty or ashamed for expressing sadness, but it’s important to remember that this is part of being human. Understanding that it’s okay to work through our emotions will help make coping with holiday grief a little easier.

Finally, Jesus tells us in John 14:1, “Let not your hearts be troubled: believe in God; believe also in me.” As we turn towards God’s love, He will provide us with peace no matter what life throws at us (Romans 5:5). Taking comfort in His presence allows us to remember that even when we feel alone, hope always remains within reach!

By utilizing these strategies from Scripture and leaning into our faith during difficult times like this one, we can find comfort for our souls even when surrounded by sorrowful moments. May you experience peace this Christmas amidst all your grief!

Would you consider joining our Time for Change Membership and Group Coaching Program?


The Time for Change Program is a comprehensive approach that can help you understand your emotions, identify the issues underlying them, and move towards a healthier lifestyle.

Our program is based on Biblical principles and utilizes inspirational stories from other participants to equip you with powerful tools to reach the life results you desire. Follow this link now to learn more about our membership and group coaching program!

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