E C ,E C ♦D 13, 2018

COPING WITH GRIEF DURING CHRISTMAS

“Merry Christmas” is often spoken in the days leading to Christmas. The
greeting is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century.
For most of us, we speak it with the hope of having a Christmas season
filled with joy, contact with friends exchanging gifts and children
anticipating the coming of Santa Claus. However, for some, even
Christian believers, it is a time of dread, fear and pain as these
individuals seek to cope with grief resulting from the loss of a loved one.
While grief (bereavement) is a natural process, it is often intensified
during the Christmas holidays because of the false assumption of
“everyone is joyful and happy.”
Dr. Kline Johnson While one’s grief cannot be removed, there are actions which help with
Director of Johnson Center
coping during the Christmas holidays. It is a generally understood fact
that family time together is magnified when the loss of a loved one is
associated with a holiday period. One essential step for adequately coping spiritually and
psychologically is by creating a new “normal.” This includes making changes to the family
routine, (time and place of Christmas dinner) and contributing to a special project or creating an
activity that honors the loved one’s memory. If grief interferes with daily living activities,
consider making an appointment with a Christian counselor.
Isolation and loneliness are two major hurdles which must
be dealt with in the grief process. Therefore, it is essential
to attend Christmas activities at church. When
uncomfortable talking to those attending, wait until just a
few minutes before the service begins to enter and don’t
linger after the service. Reduce isolation by having a few
friends/neighbors over for coffee and cookies. Avoid
holiday activities or parties that would have included your
deceased family member. Decorate differently than in
years past and adjust items you can easily handle and
remember to take down. Maintain your usual sleep pattern. Sleep affects every aspect of your
life. If necessary, consult your physician for medication to temporarily assist with sleep issues.
It is permissible to express grief through crying, but it is unhealthy emotionally to be in constant
tears. Grief support groups provide a safe environment for share emotions and thoughts; don’t
be afraid to join one when ready and learn from others experiencing many of the same life style
adjustments.
Read the biblical account of Christ’s birth from the second chapter of Luke and affirm Jesus’s
coming which brought us eternal life as believers. As a Christian believer, always know of
God’s permanent love and joy which is imparted in our lives.
NOTE: Should you need assistance in more adequately coping with grief, make an appointment
with the Johnson Center by calling 334-271-6241 or emailing counseling@mgmbaptists.org.

TAYLOR ROAD BAPTIST

January 5
10:00am-4:00pm
“Praying the Bible”
January 6
10:30 am
For more information,
call (334) 271-3363
or email
trbc@taylorroad.org.

Montgomery Baptist Association • 20 Interstate Park Dr. • Montgomery, Alabama 36109 • 334-271-6227 • www.mgmbaptists.org
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