While attending a brunch the other day, I noticed a participant silently wiping away tears. This is not the first time I’ve noticed an overwhelming wave of grief suddenly wash over someone at this time of the year.
You see the Christmas season isn’t necessarily a joyful time for everyone, it depends on past experience & what this season holds for each individual.
So, I thought it may be a good time to reflect upon this topic today before this season gets crazy in its busyness.
But before we begin let’s grab our cuppa’s, a treat & get comfy. I’ve grabbed a mug of Russian Caravan tea with a home baked gf Banana & Date muffin.
And as we’ve been in a heat wave on the east coast of Australia, although it’s cooler today, it’s very hazy with smoke (as we have fierce bushfires burning up & down the coast) so we’ll be inside today.
Memories
You see for that person this time of the year holds the memory of a most traumatic experience. Her husband of over five decades had an accident that rushed him immediately into the ER & then into ICU. And very sadly a week later he silently & peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus.
Thus December holds not only the anniversary of that traumatic accident but his death & funeral, which all took place around Christmas over a decade ago.
What about Other Experiences?
There can be other past or present circumstances within the Christmas season which trigger emotional pain too; financial problems, chronic health issues, prodigal adult children, relationship breakdowns & estrangements within families that can lead to the;
Christmas blues…
So can this season bring any Comfort & Joy to those who are experiencing Grief or the Blues?
Yes it can, please join me in the following;
Where has Joy & Comfort gone?
May we be kind & mindful, not only to those around us but with ourselves at this time of the year, as it can be a tricky time for emotions.
May His peace comfort you in whatever circumstances you’re facing, not only in this season but in all seasons;
“and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 7 NKJV
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
or in Prayer
© 2025 Jennifer M. Ross, All Rights Reserved. Photo by Nati at pexels.com
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This is just what I needed. My adult daughters are disengaged from me and I used to be sorrowful at Christmas. But my best friend of 12 years welcomed me into her family all those years ago and because of Jesus I remain joyful and sorrow no more.
Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.
That’s a heavy burden to carry sweet friend, I’m glad Jesus is carrying it for you & that the Joy of the Lord is your Strength.
Thank you, Jennifer for such a gentle and comforting post. The holiday season can be so heavy for many, I know I am struggling this year. Not everyone understands this tension, and so often we can be “bullied” into getting the holiday spirit.
You’re most welcome Donna, I totally understand as there are years that have been really tough to go through (especially the years when we’ve lost loved ones in death or estrangement) & the Christmas season seems to trigger that heaviness.
When this happens I find I just need to sit with the Lord in His comfort & quiet allowing His peace to flood my soul & be kind to myself.
Please don’t allow anyone to “bully” you into anything, especially where your emotions are concerned as that is not okay!
Sending you hugs across the ocean my friend 💖
Jennifer, I so appreciate both your gentleness and wisdom in acknowledging that this season can hold both sadness and joy. This is where I am finding myself this year as my parents (both 90YO) are experiencing challenging health issues. May we extend kindness and grace not only to ourselves, but to those around us.
Praying for your country which is currently going through such a horrific tragedy. May we remember to lift up those families at this time.
Thank you Joanne, yes we’re all in absolute shock here in Australia.
And have been keeping all those families who have been impacted by what’s happened at Bondi in prayer.
I’m saddened to hear your parents are struggling with their health Joanne. Lifting you all in prayer too sweet friend. 🙏
I appreciate you acknowledging that Christmas can be a season with many mixed emotions. That’s how I feel too. The sadness doesn’t negate the joy, but neither does the joy erase the sadness. It’s both/and. Life, right? Thanks, Jennifer!
Yes it is mixed emotions Lisa. As we go along in life I believe we become more attuned to the joys that are often mixed with the sadnesses of life.
My heart goes out to the families in your country that suffered loss at the terrible shooting at Bondi. In dark times we need the light of Jesus–and the kindness and compassion that you have explained so well. SSPS #32
Thank you Carol. Yes our hearts bleed for the many hurting families here at the moment.
And as a nation we’re absolutely devastated & in disbelief, as this isn’t Australia & does not represent us at all.
May we continue to love one another with the love of God & the light of the good news of Jesus in the face of such evil.
Jennifer, this is an important topic. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post. I am saddened by what has been taking place in Australia. My heart goes out to the community.
Thank you Stephanie, we are absolutely devastated here in Australia for all of the families that have lost a loved one & for those who were shot (some still critical in hospital).
But also for our nation as terrorism just didn’t happen in our country or this part of the world.
Such an important thing to remember, and beautifully stated. Visiting from the Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.
Thank you Jennifer, it’s so lovely having you join me in a cuppa! 😊
Thank you Jennifer for your wise counsel. We are supposed to close the sale of my parents’ home on the 19th. It is the house I grew up in with hundreds and hundreds of memories attached. It has been sad, but of course we wanted the house to sell. God is so faithful and he never makes a mistake, he orchestrates all things perfectly!
Yes He certainly orchestrates things perfectly Pam.
I went through similar this year with my parents home & it really does bring a few tears on that final day. But we too needed it to go for a new young family to make future memories. Sending hugs across the ocean sweet friend 💕