[Ep 38] 3 Truths to Remember During a Difficult Holiday Season

It is now November, and that simple change in month means that so many of us are starting to think about the holidays—planning and buying gifts and decorating. And I know a lot of people are buying gifts early, not knowing how long shipping might take or if what they want to get is even going to be available in a month or two, and so they are snagging it now. But for some of us, holidays also bring along a bit of sadness or stress. Holidays can be hard for numerous reasons. It could be that a loved one has passed during the year, and so it's our first time celebrating without them. It could be that we are unable to gather with our family or friends, and being alone doesn't really feel like much of a reason to celebrate. Yet Thanksgiving and Christmas are great opportunities for us to celebrate Jesus' birth and to give thanks for all that God has given us. They are invitations from God to draw close to Him in celebration, remembrance, and thankfulness. But the question is, is it even possible to celebrate and give thanks when you are grieving? I believe you can. And that's why I want to offer you three truths today that I want you to remember as we head into this holiday season. Kari   DON'T WANT TO GO THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS ALONE? I'd be honored to walk with you through a difficult holiday season and help you attune yourself to God's presence and work in your life. www.lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection/   BIBLE REFERENCES: "A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance." (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NLT) Learn more about feasts and festivals in Leviticus 23 and 25. Shop prayerfully-crafted encouragement and sympathy gifts: www.lovedoesthat.org/shop Learn to C.A.R.E. courageously for those who are hurting: www.lovedoesthat.org/care