Navigating Grief During the Holidays

The holidays are often painted as a season of joy — lights, music, gathering, celebration. But for many, this time of year feels heavy. Empty chairs at the table. Traditions that don’t feel the same. Memories that stir both warmth and ache. While the world moves quickly toward cheer, grief has a way of slowing the soul down.

If this season feels tender for you, Scripture reminds us that God draws near to the brokenhearted, and His presence remains steady when life feels unpredictable. Grief is not a sign of weakness — it is evidence that love existed. And God meets us gently in that space.

Here are biblical truths to carry with you as you navigate grief through the holidays.

1. God Is Near, Even When the Pain Feels Far Too Close

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Grief can feel isolating — like the world is celebrating while your heart is grieving. But Scripture reminds us that God is not distant during sorrow. He moves toward the brokenhearted, not away from them. Even when sadness makes it hard to feel His presence, He is already beside you, holding what your heart cannot.

Try this: Whisper a simple prayer: “Lord, be near.” He hears even the quietest cries.

2. Give Yourself Permission to Feel What You Feel

“Jesus wept.”John 11:35 (NIV)

Those two words tell us everything we need to know:Even Jesus — the One with all power — embraced sorrow.

You don’t have to “be strong,” pretend you’re okay, or feel guilty for struggling.Grief doesn’t run on a schedule, and healing doesn’t follow a straight line. Let your tears be a form of prayer. God is not disappointed by your tears — He collects them (Psalm 56:8).

Try this: Give yourself space to acknowledge what hurts instead of forcing yourself to be “fine.”

3. Hold Onto the Hope That Grief Does Not Have the Final Word

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes… there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

Holidays can magnify loss — but they can also magnify hope.For believers, grief is not the end of the story. God promises a future where pain is gone, tears are wiped away, and reunion replaces separation. Even in sorrow, we hold on to the hope that God is writing something eternal.

Try this: When grief rises, whisper: “This is not the end of my story.”

4. Lean on Community — You’re Not Meant to Carry This Alone

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

You weren’t created to grieve alone. God designed us for community — people who can listen, pray, cry, and check in when the days feel long. Sometimes healing begins when you give someone else permission to come close.

Try this: Reach out to one safe person and let them know this season is hard for you.

5. Look for God’s Comfort in Gentle, Everyday Places

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)

God comforts in ways both supernatural and simple:A song that speaks to your soul.A memory that brings warmth. A verse that settles your heart.A conversation that reminds you you’re not alone.

Comfort doesn’t erase pain, but it helps you breathe again.

Try this: Choose one practice this week — prayer, journaling, a walk, worship music — to create space for God’s comfort.

6. Remember That Love Lives On

Grief exists because love mattered.The holidays may never look exactly the same, but the love you carry — the memories, the impact, the shared time — continues to shape you.

You don’t have to erase the past to move toward the future.You can hold both: grief and gratitude, sorrow and joy, memory and hope.

A Prayer for the Grieving Heart

Lord, this season feels heavy.Be near to those who are hurting.Comfort the places that feel empty.Fill every home with Your peace, every memory with Your kindness, and every tear with Your presence.Remind us that You walk with us through the valley, and that Your hope will carry us forward.In Jesus’ name, amen.