The Session: The First Christmas (and other holidays) Without A Loved One

Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"

Highlights And Reactions To The First Christmas Without A Loved One from Tom and Scott.

It Is Important To Prioritize Your Needs. Take Time To:

• Walk
• Nap
• Have important conversations
• Take time to have your space.
• Crying and hugs are to be expected and enjoyed

Find new family traditions that help after experiencing loss

• New traditions could include cruises
• Rent a house in a vacation spot for the family

Continue with routine that helps normalize life

• Have your regular coffee time?
• Continue watching your favorite shows or news on TV
• Praying
• Seeking God And His Word
• Eat healthy
• Connect with a friend you haven’t talked to in a long time

3 Suggestions from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

1. Look to the past. God gave you and your spouse many years together; have you ever stopped to thank Him for this? In other words, don’t let the loneliness of the present crowd out the happiness of the past. iMovies, photo albums

2. Look to the present. All around you are people who are lonely or grieving or discouraged. Ask God to help you reach out and be a friend to them this Christmas. It may be someone you already know—in your church or among your circle of friends. Invite them to dinner; take them to a Christmas program at your church; in small ways let them know you care. They need you—and you need them.

3. Third, look to the future. Jesus came into the world for one reason: to make it possible for us to be with Him in Heaven forever. The more we focus on eternity, the lighter our burdens become. In Christ we have hope, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

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To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.