Grief and Hope: Embracing God’s Love This Holiday Season

Devotional

Day 1: Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

When grief threatens to overwhelm, it is vital to remember that nothing—not loss, not pain, not even death—can separate us from the steadfast love of God in Christ Jesus. God’s love is not diminished by our sorrow or absence; it remains a constant presence, offering comfort and hope even in our darkest moments. In seasons of grief, we are invited to rest in the assurance that God’s embrace is unbreakable, and that His grace holds us fast, no matter what we face. [01:17]

Romans 8:35-39 (ESV)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: When you feel the ache of loss, how might you remind yourself today that God’s love is holding you, even in your grief?

Day 2: God Knows and Shares Our Grief

God is not distant from our pain; in Jesus, God entered into our human experience, including the depths of grief. Jesus wept at the loss of his friend Lazarus, showing that God understands the sorrow of losing someone we love. This divine empathy means that when we grieve, we do not do so alone—God grieves with us, offering compassion and presence in our suffering. [05:09]

John 11:32-35 (ESV)
Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.

Reflection: In what ways can you invite God into your grief, trusting that He truly understands and shares your sorrow?

Day 3: Supporting Others in Grief with Compassion

Supporting someone who is grieving is not about having the perfect words, but about being present, listening, and offering practical help. Sometimes, well-intentioned phrases can cause more pain, but simple acts of kindness—like giving someone space to talk, helping with daily tasks, or just sitting quietly together—can be a profound comfort. We are called to care for one another with humility and sensitivity, reflecting God’s love through our actions. [10:34]

Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Reflection: Who in your life might need your quiet presence or practical help this week, and how can you offer it without needing to “fix” their grief?

Day 4: Grief Is a Sign of Deep Love

Grief is not a weakness or a lack of faith; it is the natural result of loving deeply and losing someone or something precious. The pain of grief is a reflection of the value of the relationship, and it is normal for it to ebb and flow over time, sometimes resurfacing unexpectedly. Allowing ourselves to feel and express grief honors the love we have shared and opens us to God’s healing presence. [02:33]

Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Reflection: How might you give yourself permission to feel your grief today, recognizing it as a sign of the love you carry?

Day 5: Jesus Calls Us to See and Care for the Hurting

Jesus came to show us how to notice and care for those who are struggling, especially those who feel invisible or burdened by life’s hardships. As we enter the holiday season, we are invited to look beyond our own excitement and busyness to see those who may be grieving or lonely, and to reach out with compassion and practical support. In doing so, we embody the love and community that Jesus came to build among us. [09:36]

Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV)
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Reflection: As you prepare for the holidays, who is someone on the margins you can intentionally reach out to with kindness or support?

Sermon Summary

As the holiday season approaches, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. Yet, for many, this time of year also brings a renewed awareness of loss and grief. The holidays can highlight the absence of loved ones, changes in our lives, or even the loss of abilities or relationships. Grief is not just a fleeting emotion; it is a sign that we have loved deeply, and it often resurfaces in unexpected ways—through a song, a photo, or a familiar tradition. It’s important to remember that grief is a normal part of life, and sometimes it can become overwhelming. In those moments, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward healing.

God’s love is steadfast and unbreakable, even in our deepest sorrow. Paul’s words to the Romans remind us that nothing—no trouble, distress, or even death—can separate us from the love of Christ. Our God is not distant or indifferent; God chose to enter into our human experience, to feel what we feel, and even to grieve as Jesus did at the death of his friend Lazarus. This is a radical, compassionate God who desires relationship, not robotic obedience. God’s willingness to experience our pain sets Him apart from the gods of power and distance that fill ancient stories.

As we move into the holidays, it’s vital to prepare ourselves not only for our own feelings but also to support those around us who may be grieving. Sometimes, the best support is not in what we say, but in what we do—offering practical help, a listening ear, or simply our presence. Well-intentioned words can sometimes wound, especially if they misrepresent God’s character or minimize someone’s pain. Instead, we are called to humility, to see and care for those who might feel invisible or overwhelmed. Jesus modeled this for us, calling us to look beyond our own joy and preferences to the needs of others.

Let us give thanks for a God who knows our grief, who walks with us through it, and who calls us to be a community of compassion and care. In Christ, our relationship with God and with one another is restored, and nothing—not even grief—can separate us from that love.

Key Takeaways

1. Grief is a Sign of Deep Love Grief is not a weakness or a flaw; it is evidence of the depth of our love and connection. When we mourn, it is because we have cherished someone or something deeply. This pain, though difficult, is a testament to the beauty of our relationships and the imprint they leave on our lives. Recognizing this can help us honor both our grief and our love. [02:33]
2. God Enters Our Suffering Unlike distant or indifferent deities, God chose to experience human life, including grief and loss. In Jesus, God wept, suffered, and felt the sting of death. This means our pain is not foreign to God; He is intimately acquainted with it and walks with us through it. This truth offers profound comfort and solidarity in our darkest moments. [05:09]
3. Support Often Means Presence, Not Words When others grieve, our presence and practical help often matter more than finding the perfect words. Sometimes, well-meaning phrases can unintentionally cause pain or misrepresent God’s heart. Instead, simple acts of service, listening, or just being there can provide the most meaningful support. [12:48]
4. Jesus Calls Us to See the Invisible Jesus modeled a life of noticing and caring for those on the margins—those who are grieving, lonely, or overwhelmed. Especially during the holidays, we are called to look beyond our own excitement and see those who might be struggling. This is how we embody Christ’s love and build a compassionate community. [10:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - Grief and the Holidays
[01:17] - Nothing Can Separate Us from God
[01:57] - Opening Prayer
[02:09] - The Reality of Grief
[02:59] - Seeking Help for Overwhelming Grief
[03:43] - God’s “Crazy” Gift of Free Will
[04:41] - God Enters Our Experience
[05:09] - Jesus and the Grief of Lazarus
[05:56] - God’s Compassion vs. Distant Gods
[06:29] - Grief’s Lingering Presence
[07:10] - Personal Stories of Loss
[08:24] - Unexpected Triggers of Grief
[09:09] - Discomfort with Grief—Ours and Others’
[09:36] - Preparing to Support Others
[10:03] - Jesus’ Call to See the Invisible
[10:34] - What Not to Say to the Grieving
[12:48] - Practical Ways to Support
[13:27] - Philippians: Humility and Care
[14:10] - Jesus Restores Relationship and Community
[14:43] - Closing and Thanksgiving

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Grief, God’s Love, and Compassionate Community

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### Bible Reading

Romans 8:35-39 (ESV)
> Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)
> So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

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### Observation Questions

According to Romans 8, what are some of the things Paul lists that cannot separate us from the love of Christ? [01:17]
In Philippians 2, what attitudes and actions does Paul encourage believers to have toward one another? [13:27]
The sermon mentions that Jesus experienced grief when his friend Lazarus died. What does the Bible say Jesus did in that moment? [05:09]
What are some examples from the sermon of how grief can show up unexpectedly during the holidays? [08:24]

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul emphasizes that nothing—not even death or distress—can separate us from God’s love? How might this truth comfort someone who is grieving? [01:17]
The sermon says grief is a sign of deep love, not a weakness. How does this perspective change the way someone might view their own grief or the grief of others? [02:33]
The pastor describes God as “crazy” for wanting a relationship with us and for entering into our suffering. What does this say about the character of God compared to other “gods” or ideas of God? [05:56]
Philippians 2 calls us to humility and to look out for others’ interests. How does this relate to supporting people who are grieving, especially during the holidays? [13:27]

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### Application Questions

The holidays can bring up memories of loss and grief. Is there a specific tradition, song, or moment that triggers grief for you? How do you usually respond when that happens? [08:24]
The sermon encourages seeking professional help if grief becomes overwhelming. Have you or someone you know ever needed extra support during a season of loss? What made it hard or easy to reach out for help? [02:59]
Sometimes, well-meaning words can hurt more than help when someone is grieving. Have you ever received or given “comforting” words that didn’t land well? What could have been more helpful in that moment? [11:22]
The pastor shared practical ways people supported her during times of grief, like watching her child or helping with chores. What is one practical thing you could do for someone who is grieving this season? [12:48]
Jesus noticed and cared for people who felt invisible or overwhelmed. Is there someone in your life or community who might be struggling with grief or loneliness right now? What is one step you could take to reach out to them? [10:03]
The sermon reminds us that God’s love is steadfast, even in our darkest moments. When you feel alone or overwhelmed, what helps you remember God’s presence and love? [01:17]
During the holidays, it’s easy to focus on our own excitement and plans. What is one way you can intentionally look out for the needs of others, as Philippians 2 encourages? [13:27]

Sermon Clips

So nothing can separate us from God's love. But I have to say grief sometimes tries to give it a good shot. Grief is a sign that we have loved deeply, which is good. But grief is the pain of loss. The death of a loved one. Maybe a divorce or a job change where we are missing the people we worked with. Maybe it's a physical change where we have lost some of the abilities we used to have. Someone is missing in our lives for some reason. And that is the core of grief. [00:02:09] (36 seconds) #UnbreakableLove

So let's start with the fact that we have a bit of a crazy God. Our God is the powerful creator of the universe. And then God through creation decided to give us free will. Now I don't know that that has always worked out that great. But why did God choose to give us free will? God could just have programmed us to do what God wanted us to do. But our God had the crazy idea that God wanted to be in a close relationship with us. God wanted us to choose God in our lives. [00:03:43] (40 seconds) #FreeWillFaith

God didn't create robots. We are not automatic androids that just do what we were programmed to do. God wanted us to be creators on a smaller scale, but creators made in God's image. Creators who got to make choices. Now when we broke our relationship with God through sin and bad choices, God did another crazy thing. God came to live among us as Jesus. To experience what we experienced. To show us a different way of living together as community and in relationship with God. [00:04:23] (41 seconds) #GodWithUs

Part of Jesus' experience was feeling grief. Just like we do. His buddy Lazarus died. And the Bible tells us Jesus cried. Our God cried. God knows what we feel when we lose special people in our lives. Now you have to admit, this is crazy. Why? Why? Someday perhaps we will get to ask God that question. But sometimes I think we forget what other gods at the time were like. Many gods in history, especially at that time and earlier, were about projecting power. [00:05:03] (43 seconds) #GodUnderstandsGrief

A few years ago, Facebook decided that I wanted a memory and it popped up. Do you remember this photo? And it was a beautiful photo of my sisters and I with my dad and a wonderful day. He was smiling. He was healthy. But it popped up on the anniversary of his death. Thank you, Facebook. Whether it's Facebook or maybe it's food that triggers a memory. Maybe it's a holiday decoration or a movie. Maybe it's Christmas carols. Grief can be triggered or reemerge when we least expect it. [00:08:17] (39 seconds) #SupportingGrief

So before we get into the rush of the holidays, I want to take a moment today to prepare ourselves for ways that we can support others. And to prepare ourselves for our own feelings, whatever they might be during this season. Because I think this is part of why Jesus came. Jesus came to teach us how to see the people who are invisible in our lives. The people on the margins. The people who are struggling with the burdens of life. The people who've withdrawn because something just feels too much. [00:09:26] (37 seconds) #GodGrievesToo

And my husband, Park, warned him that someone might come up to him and say, out of concern for him and a good heart, they might say, God wanted a little angel in heaven. Now, this is one of those things that seems lovely for the child, but it is devastating for the parent. And it makes us wonder, what do we think of God? Do we believe that God is willing to cause the death of an infant so that God can have another angel in heaven? I don't see that that is the God that I read about in the Bible. [00:11:08] (38 seconds) #JesusRestoresHope

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