When the Holidays Hurt — Finding Hope After Loss

For hearts that miss someone deeply this season.

Scripture Focus:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”— Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

The Holidays Aren’t Always Merry

The world around us shines bright this time of year with lights twinkling, music filling the air, and yet for some, the season carries a quiet ache. If you’ve lost someone you love, the holidays can magnify that empty chair, the missing laugh, the silence where their voice once filled the room.

You’re not alone, and you’re not faithless for feeling the ache. Even Jesus wept (John 11:35). Grief does not mean a lack of faith but it means love once had a home in your heart.

God Meets Us in Our Grief

The comfort of God doesn’t erase pain; it enters it. When the nights feel heavy or memories rush in unexpectedly, the Lord sits with you. He does not rush your healing. He gathers your tears as prayers, and He gently reminds you that love — true, eternal love — never really ends.

In Isaiah 61:3, God promises “beauty for ashes” and “the oil of joy for mourning.” That doesn’t mean pretending the ashes aren’t there but it means allowing Him to plant something new in the same soil where loss once lived.

“God does not waste our tears; He waters the seeds of comfort with them.” — The Bible Bloom

How to Walk Through Grief in a Season of Celebration

1. Give yourself grace. It’s okay to smile one moment and cry the next. Healing isn’t linear.

2. Honor their memory. Light a candle, cook their favorite meal, or share a story with family. Love remembered is love still alive.

3. Invite God into the empty places. Whisper prayers when words are few. He hears the heart’s language best.

4. Surround yourself with gentle people. You don’t have to face the holidays alone — let community carry you.

Reflection / Thought

Grief changes, but it never fully disappears but it transforms into gratitude for having loved so deeply. And as you begin to breathe again, you’ll notice that God was there the whole time comforting and surrounding you with his love.

“Even when the world celebrates loudly, God’s comfort speaks softly to the ones who mourn.” — The Bible Bloom

Closing Encouragement

If this season feels heavy, remember: The One who came as Emmanuel, God with us, is still with you now. He’s not only the Savior of the world, but the Healer of hearts. And even in the quiet, you are held.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, I thank you for walking with me through every season of my life. Help me to always remember that you are with me. Father, Your word tells me that you are near to the brokenhearted and that you save those that have a crushed spirit. Be near me and save me. You are my joy, peace, and hope. In Jesus name. Amen.

With grace and love,

Yvonne Perry

Creator and Founder of The Bible Bloom