Mourning and trying to enjoy the season

The loss of loved ones hits deep. The pain may never fully go away but we know if they were a believer, you will see them again.

Time can dull the pain a little but when something like the holiday season comes around it can be hard not to miss the people you used to spend it with. Emotional triggers can pop up anywhere. You don’t have to feel ashamed of tears that may fall down your face.

It is completely normal to feel this way. You are not alone in your mourning. You have not been abandoned. You can look for a trusted friend or family member and tell them what is going on in your heart. It’s good to express these feelings in a healthy manner so they don’t come out in anger or frustration later on.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4.

Jesus is no stranger to grief. Do you remember the story of Lazarus? He was one of his closest friends. When Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was ill they said, “The one you love is sick.”

Jesus had to travel to get to him. In John 11: 21-22 Martha says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

His friends came up to him and wept saying he was too late. How would you feel if your best friends accused you of letting their brother die?

Jesus is amazing and he brought Lazarus back from the dead but it just shows that Jesus needed comfort too. It says in verse 35 that Jesus wept. Period. It was before he saw the tomb where Lazarus was laid. He was hurting along with his friends, because someone he loved was gone.

It’s hard to lose people or pets that you love. Love is the most precious gift we can ever hold. Jesus said it’s the most important commandment. So don’t let your heart grow cold and hard this Christmas season. Sometimes it feels easier to close ourselves up and refuse to love again, but that is actually the most damaging.

Keep hope this season. For you are loved, you are worthy, and you are enough. Don’t lose hope and don’t be afraid to think of your loved ones. They would want to see you laugh again and be joyful.

“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” Luke 6:21.