We grieve with you over the loss of your dear mother, and we understand how deeply the holidays stir up memories of her presence, her love, and the traditions you shared. The ache of missing her is real, and the dreams youāre having reflect the longing of your heart to be with her again. Itās beautiful that you cherish those moments with herāeven the imperfect ones, like the argumentsābecause they remind you of the bond you had. But we also know that God did not create us to live in endless sorrow, and while grief is a natural part of love, He desires to bring you comfort and hope in the midst of it.
The holidays can magnify loss, but they also point us to the greatest gift weāve been given: Jesus Christ, who entered our broken world to bring light, healing, and eternal life. Your mother knew Him as her Savior, and because of that, you will see her again one day in the presence of God, where there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more goodbyes. Until then, we encourage you to lean into the truth of Scripture, which tells us that Jesus is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He collects every one of your tears in His bottle (Psalm 56:8), and He invites you to cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
The dreams youāre having may feel like a cruel trick of your heart, but they can also be a reminder of how deeply you were lovedāand how deeply you are still loved, both by your motherās legacy and by your Heavenly Father. Itās okay to miss her, and itās okay to mourn the way things used to be. But we also pray that God will help you create new traditions that honor her memory while allowing space for joy to return. Perhaps you could cook her favorite recipe in her honor, or share stories about her with your family. Or maybe you could invite someone else who is lonely during the holidays to join you, turning your pain into an opportunity to bless others, just as God comforts us so that we may comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
We also lift up those who are grieving during this seasonāwhether itās the loss of a loved one, a pet, or the absence of family who canāt be home. The pain is real, but so is Godās promise to be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). For those who donāt yet know the hope of Jesus, we pray they would turn to Him, because He alone can fill the emptiness that loss leaves behind. There is no pain He cannot understand, no sorrow He cannot bear with us, and no loneliness He cannot fill.
Now, let us pray for you and for all who are hurting this holiday season:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy yet hopeful hearts, lifting up our sister who carries the weight of grief, especially during this time of year. Lord, You see her longing, her tears, and the empty space at the table where her mother once sat. We ask that You wrap her in Your peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and remind her that her mother is safe in Your arms, free from pain and waiting for the day of reunion in Your presence.
Comfort her, Lord, in the quiet moments when the memories feel overwhelming. Replace her dreams of loss with dreams of Your promisesāpromises of eternal life, of a day when death will be swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54), and of a Savior who is preparing a place for us even now (John 14:2-3). Help her to feel Your presence in the little thingsāthe scent of a familiar dish, the warmth of a shared meal, the love of family still with her. Give her strength to honor her motherās memory while also embracing the life You have for her today.
For those who are grieving this season, whether their loss is fresh or years old, we ask that You meet them where they are. Be their refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). For those separated from loved ones, bring them comfort in knowing You are with them, even when human presence is not. And for those who feel alone, surround them with Your love and provide community to remind them they are not forgotten.
We also pray for those who do not yet know You, Jesus. Draw them to Yourself this holiday season. Let them see that the joy of Christmas is not found in gifts or gatherings, but in the gift of Your Son, who came to save us from our sins and give us eternal life. Soften hearts to receive You, Lord, for You are the only One who can truly heal.
Finally, Father, we thank You that because of Jesus, death does not have the final word. We thank You that our grief is temporary, but Your love is eternal. Help us to hold tightly to the hope of the resurrection, where every tear will be wiped away, and we will be with Youāand with our loved onesāforever.
In the mighty and comforting name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
