Leaning into the Pain of Christmas in the Midst of Grief

I tried to take care of myself physically by continuing to walk regularly. For you it may be listening to music, shopping, playing sports, walking on the beach, or eating out with friends. Identify what comforts you and do it.

Friends commented that every time they heard “The Little Drummer Boy” they thought of Mark, our drummer. Collecting Little Drummer Boy memorabilia and drum tree ornaments became a quiet way to acknowledge Mark's continuing place in our family. What holiday memento collection might help you acknowledge your love for your departed family member?

Try to journal through the words of several Christmas carols, especially “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” What “hopes and fears” do you have that can be met only in Christ?

Prayer: Hopes and Fears
Lord, the Christmas story tells us that Your Name is Immanuel, “God with Us.” Remind us that Your Spirit is still with us. We give our hopes and fears to You, through this holiday and every day.

Dr. Chuck Betters is the pastor/teacher of MARK INC Ministries. His messages can be heard on www.oneplace.com. Visit www.markinc.com where you can order the message he preached the first Christmas after his son's death, Christmas Pain, #93-101. You can also order the book, Treasures in Darkness, A Grieving Mother Shares Her Heart, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., 2005.

Sharon W. Betters, Treasures in Darkness, A Grieving Mother Shares Her Heart (Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R, 2005) 179-180, 181, 184, 186.
Ibid, 188, 189.
Ibid, 189-190.