Finding Hope and Joy in a Difficult Christmas Season
The Christmas season can be challenging, especially when you’re carrying the weight of loss or hardship. It’s okay to acknowledge your grief and adjust your expectations during this holy time. But even in the midst of struggle, there are ways to find hope and experience the peace that Christ brings.
1. Grieve your losses.
Christmas may no longer look like the joyous celebrations you once knew, and that’s okay. Let yourself grieve. Tears can flow as you hold sentimental ornaments, hear a cherished carol, or reflect on memories of brighter days. It’s in this honest grief that God meets us with His comfort and love.
2. Embrace simplicity.
The season doesn’t have to be exhausting or overwhelming. Simplify your celebrations by focusing on small joys: a scented candle, a favorite meal, or a wreath on the door. Simplicity can provide the space you need to heal while still honoring the beauty of Christmas.
3. Balance solitude with community.
While it’s natural to want to retreat when you’re hurting, try to balance alone time with connection. Seek out a trusted friend who can offer a listening ear. Sharing your story with someone who cares can bring healing and remind you that you’re not alone.
4. Accept kindness.
If you’re used to being the giver, it may feel difficult to receive. But allowing others to bless you during this season can be a gift to them as well. Say yes to a meal dropped off by a friend, or accept help with expenses if it’s offered. God often works through the hands and hearts of others to show His love.
5. Find someone to help.
One of the most transformative ways to heal is by helping someone else. Identify someone who is also hurting and offer your support. Whether it’s through sharing your story, listening to theirs, or praying together, reaching out in love can build a connection that lifts both hearts.
6. Praise God through the pain.
Worship has the power to uplift your spirit, even in difficult times. Play a favorite worship song, read through the lyrics of a favorite hymn, or meditate on the Christmas story in Luke 2. Let gratitude flow from your heart as you thank God for the incredible gift of Jesus, our Savior.
“The Lord is close to the broken hearted and
saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 NIV
A Christmas Prayer
Father, You are holy, righteous, and just. I praise You for giving me life and for walking with me through every season. Thank You for patiently guiding me through both the good days and the hard days. I offer all that I am to You, and I desire to honor You with my choices, my attitude, and my service. Thank You for sending Jesus, the Savior of the world. I glorify Your name. Amen.
Question: What are you thanking God for this Christmas? How can we pray for you this week? May His peace and love fill your heart. 💖
Looking for a trustworthy place for year-end giving? Speak Up for Hope is our nonprofit organization. No one on our staff receives a salary for their many volunteer hours, so your gift goes to your intended purpose. You can designate gifts specifically for:
- Inmates and their families
- Books, Bible studies, and curriculum for classes inside the razor wire
- Equipment needs in prison chapels
- Games for visitation areas, so children have something to do with an incarcerated parent
- Books for the “Read-Me-a-Story” program (inmates reading to their children on video)
- Scholarship assistance for us to equip people to share the gospel and teach the Word of God globally through Speak Up Ministries. These gifts can be designated for military spouses or for anyone who needs training.
Give online at www.SpeakUpforHope.org, or call Gene at 586.481.7661 if you’d like to make a tax-deductible credit card donation by phone. Thank you for your generosity.
My good friend lost her twin sister this year and I lost my husband 20 months ago. Both of us are having a very hard time this year. We are continuing on with life, but slowly and somewhat “ho-humly”, if there is such a word. Thank you for sharing these thoughts. I will share with my friend as well. Merry CHRISTmas.
Thanks for your comment. I’m praying that God will comfort you and your friend as you go through a challenging Christmas. God bless you, Faye.
i just lost my wife in June and two weeks ago her sister lost her husband. I finished a GriefShare program a week ago as well. My sister in another state is in one now too. My kids and I are just back from visiting for the funeral. How you laid out your advice in “Finding Hope And Joy ” above struck me as so, so helpful . I will share with others. Your words apply to everyone, not just those of us in prison ministry. A friend sent it to me. To others, please share as well.
Peace
Phil
Phil, you and your family are in my prayers as you go through this first Christmas without your wife. I’m praying that you will experience His presence and comfort during this time of great loss. God bless you.
Jesus was born during a hard time for so many, when God had been silent for so long. I’m so thankful we can celebrate Jesus and him loving us even during our toughest times.
What a great reminder. Thanks so much, Deb!
Carol and Gene, I pray God‘s favor and mercy over Jason every day as I pray for my own incarcerated son Jesse. Your story and your writings of trust in God through grief and loss has helped me so much these last 3 1/2 years, so first of all I am grateful for you and the work that God is doing through you., because it has comforted and guided me. Our son was convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances of lying in wait. We are in an appeals process, so he has not been sentenced and is still in jail. He is on the spectrum, highly intelligent, and has a very deep and expressive faith. He does bible studies and has prayed for several inmates to receive Jesus. Last week he and his father prayed with his Muslim Roomate during an in person visit and Seyed accepted Jesus as his Lord and savior!
Please pray for continued healing and peace in our family. We are a missionary family working in Peru, and my husband Obed chairs the Global Council of Missions. We’re grateful God continues to use us, as wounded as we are.
Thank you for your encouraging words and for your powerful prayers, Cynthia. I’m praying for you and your son, too, and I’m asking God to surround you with the support of fellow believers. I’m especially praying for continued healing and peace in your family. Thanks, too, for your work in missions. I know God often works in the most powerful ways through our brokenness.
This is our first year with a loved one in prison. We are hurting during this season. Our family isn’t complete this year!
Sherry, I know that loss of not having everyone around your table for Christmas dinner and I’m praying for you and for your son. Keep holding on to God’s promises.
I met you Carol many years ago at a conference. I will never forget how sweet you were and the prayer you prayed with me as my son was also incarcerated. I continue to pray for a release date for JP. Many blessings to your family and Merry Christmas to you all.
Thank you for your note, Vicki, but thanks especially for your prayers. You encouraged me today. Keep pointing people to hope based on God’s truth.
Carol,
Thanks for the encouragement today. I feel like I am incarcerated for trying to be a family again. My daughter doesn’t want to get together with my son and his family to help me go through my first Christmas without my husband who died five months ago My son was wanting to have dinner together as a family for my sake, but she is not willing to do it that way. We haven’t been a family for over 20 years. I will keep praying God’s will be done.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Thanks for all you do.
Dear Ruth…I’m praying for you as you go through this first Christmas without your husband. I’m also praying the God will bring unity and oneness of spirit to your family. I love that you’re praying, “Thy will be done.” It’s a good reminder for all of us. God bless you.