“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) Christmas is a season of celebration, yet for many, it is also a season when grief arrives unannounced. The thing with grief is that it never truly leaves. From time to time - often unexpectedly - it rises to the surface again. And Christmas time is no exception. In fact, this may be the season when it is felt even more acutely. An Unexpected Encounter With Grief This month I attended a Christmas play at a local church here in the Valley. It's a healthy church, and a haven for many former church members I used to pastor. From time to time I come to visit. It's nice to reconnect. Many have continued to be friends of my family. And so, with an invite to the play, I went. But this time, something unexpected happened. Grief reared its sorrowful head. As I watched the children perform, I was reminded of where their families had once come from - a church I had pastored. I had spent time with them, teaching and leading them to know God's Word. I had even helped restore the marriage of one couple. I was not sad the families had landed there. No - on the contrary, I'm glad that's where they ended up. What gripped my heart with sorrow was how they ended up there. They had been the victims of church hurt. The very hurt, I too, was the victim of. What Could Have Been So there I sat, my daughter in my arms, my heart trembling.. It welled up with thoughts of what could have been -
In a moment meant for joy, singing, and hearing the Christmas story, my heart had become gripped with sadness. The Balm That Does Not Fail Grief doesn't go on vacation during Christmas. In unexpected ways, it makes its presence known. Yet, in times of deep sorrow, God's healing hands are at work. There is a balm of Gilead - a healing ointment for even the deepest hurts. That balm is Christ Himself. As Advent reminds us, He has drawn near! He is not distant or apathetic to our plight. Our creator entered into His broken world, took on a humanity, and experienced grief firsthand. He wept at the grave of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35). Yet, the One who wept, is also the One who turns mourning into joy. When Christ Applies the Balm As I sat there, I felt the balm applied. How? By Christ redirecting my heart and mind - from what I had lost, to what He had done. I was reminded that he had brought them to the church years ago. And that it was here He had healed them through the members of that church - his hands applying ointment of joy, compassion, truth, and encouragement. God restored what had been broken. A Word For The Wounded This Advent There may be times this Advent when your heart will well with sadness, while those around you may be festive. You aren't alone. The balm of Gilead is with you, and He will comfort you. He does so by drawing your mind to what He has done, what He is doing now, and what He has promised to do. And if you are part of a church that practices Advent, take a note at how Christ is healing you. Every candle lit... every scripture read... every prayer offered... are pointing to promises beyond ourselves that are faithful and true. Advent invites us to reflect on:
Advent lifts our minds, and our hearts, to a day when Jesus returns to judge every wrong, make all things right, and restore the earth to a perfect paradise. Final Reflection This Advent reflect on these themes. And remind yourself: Though grief doesn't take a Christmas vacation - neither does the Balm of Gilead.
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AuthorI’m David Hanson—a husband, father, landscaper, elder, and most importantly, a sinner saved by grace. From Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, I write to encourage others to be rooted in Christ and find shelter in His grace. Archives
February 2026
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