about the series
It’s hard to believe, but store decorations remind us that Christmas is just around the corner. In keeping with our vision to come alongside one another in life’s journey, we especially think of those who are dreading the holidays, those who wish they could jump from November 1 – January 1. If you are that person, or maybe a friend you know is hurting in this way, we have a gift for you. This Daily Treasure devotion will be packed with comfort, practical resources, and ideas for preparing for Christmas in the context of loss and grief.
Christmas is for those who grieve. Stay with us as we “follow the star” of Christmas in a way that will help us slow down and soak in the treasures of our Savior’s birth. This is a good time to share Daily Treasure with friends! Subscribe to Daily Treasure or listen on your favorite podcast.
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Daily Treasure devotions
In December, I'll share a few journal entries I wrote the first Christmas without Mark along with some “grief relief" moments, both practical and spiritual, that helped turn my heart toward Jesus when every breath was an effort. I hope those of you who are anticipating Christmas as the happiest time of the year will pray for those who want to pull down the shades and sleep through the next month because every Christmas tradition, trinket, decoration, or song heightens the deep longing for what was, for something more. I'll offer you some life-giving treasures of encouragement you can give to grieving friends, and practical ways to help turn their hearts toward Jesus.
Treasured by Him, Sharon Betters
Here are links to the grief relief resources shared in this week of devotions:
I invite everyone to listen to Preparing for Christmas in the Darkness of Grief, a conversation between Chuck and me.
Grief can be so debilitating that it blinds you to God's presence. Many who grieve struggle to face the sudden loss, much less embrace it and rest in it. In this remarkably honest book, Sharon Betters tells us the story of her teenage son's sudden death in a car accident. Excerpts from Sharon's journal express her raw grief, anger, and hunger to understand how God can be good and loving and still take away her youngest child.
Dr. Chuck F. Betters preached this series Surprised by Suffering, shortly after Mark’s death. Perhaps these messages are designed to comfort and encourage you in your own grief journey.
Listen to the intimate interview with Chuck and Sharon Betters as they talk about the loss of their son, Mark.
We don’t know what we don’t know. My friend, Vaneetha Risner knows grief and shares how to help the hurting during the holidays.
Help & Hope stories of other who have face grief and share their journey to encourage you.
GRIEF SHARE: Find comfort for the season with: Surviving the Holidays.
While this article is written for people coming alongside grieving people, Nancy Guthrie’s insights can help grieving people better understand conflicting emotions.
Are you stuck in your grief journey? Consider counseling with a biblical counselor. Check out Anchored Hope online biblical counseling services.
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How many of us miss Christmas, but not just Christmas, how many of us miss the joy of following the real star of Christmas…