The holiday season is fast approaching. For many it will be a glorious occasion but for those who have experienced loss, it will be difficult.
Author and speaker Nancy Guthrie, a person who has suffered quite a bit of loss, has written a helpful article about grief and the hoiidays. Please read it and consider how you might encourage those in your life who may be facing their first Christmas without a loved one. Lot’s of practical insight in this article. Here is a snippet:
“Happy Thanksgiving!” “Merry Christmas!” “Happy New Year!” As the end of the year approaches, everywhere we turn someone is telling us we should be happy.
But for those who’ve recently lost someone they love, the holidays can seem more like something to survive than to enjoy. The traditions and events that can add so much joy and meaning to the season are punctuated with painful reminders of the person we love who is not here to share in it. Many have wished they could find a quiet place to hide until January 2.
While those of us who surround grieving people can’t fix the pain of loss, we can bring comfort as we come alongside those who hurt with special sensitivity to what grief is like during the holidays. Grieving people wish we all knew at least five truths, among others, at Christmas.”
Click on the following link to read more.
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-grieving-people-wish-you-knew-at-christmas?fbclid=IwAR0ueIsEtr5xvL5ePtprXskJHoccsUsFm92L1mNxpzbaKcqGid5OplnYnF8
