The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and reflection, but as life evolves, so do our experiences of the season. Loved ones pass on, children grow up, and the familiar traditions that once brought us comfort may shift or fade away. Even as believers who know that Jesus is the reason for the season, the human side of us can still feel the sting of change and loss. While gratitude remains in our hearts, it doesn’t always erase the pain we feel. The good news is that God understands. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” It’s okay to grieve what has changed, but it’s also important to lean into His presence and the new things He is doing, even when they feel uncertain or unfamiliar. Three Solutions for Finding Peace in Changing Seasons 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings in God’s Presence Instead of pushing your emotions aside, bring them to God in prayer. He cares deeply about your sadness, your longing, and your uncer...

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. —Ephesians 4:29 “Sometimes it’s not what you say but how you say it.” Be mindful of how you speak to others. The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” couldn’t be further from the truth. Words can pierce, cut, and break just as badly as any physical blow and sometimes, they take even longer to heal. If you’ve been on the receiving end of harsh words, it’s easy to hold onto the pain they caused. However, don’t let those words take root in bitterness. Instead, take a step of faith and express your feelings honestly and calmly to the other person. For those who find themselves speaking harshly, it’s vital to reflect. If you don’t recognize the pain your words cause, it’s time to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the impact of your speech. A lack of remorse for hurtful words indicates a dee...