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Trauma in the Christmas Story

12/27/2022

Trauma is not the first thing that comes to mind when we think of the Christmas story. Usually, we think of celebration, peace, tranquility, an overflow of gifts and generosity, comfort and stability.
However, the Christmas story is filled with traumatic events. There are some joyous moments but also many instances of shock, upheaval, worry and distress.

Many experienced dramatic interruption of plans. Fear struck their heart! In some cases this meant that they had to relocate and travel. They could not be in the comfort of their own home. Instead, like Mary and Joseph, they found themselves among strangers desperately searching for suitable housing. Throughout the story we see sacrifice and loss, even loss of life. Some struggled with feelings of betrayal and didn’t not know whom they could trust.
Welcome to the biblical Christmas story! Welcome to trauma!

Take time to read the Christmas story from this perspective. God will provide you with new insights that will lead you to take courage, to trust, to be comforted, and regain hope.

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Allow the tears to come

12/27/2022

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Expect tears to come at the most inopportune times. When they come do not apologize or feel bad. Tears are part of how God has designed your body (physical, emotional and spiritual) to help you heal!

Crying has many different health benefits. On a physical level, tears release chemicals (oxytocin and endorphins) that make people feel good and ease physical and emotional pain. That is why we often feel better after we have cried.

Crying activates that part of the nervous system that helps us relax. That is why we often sleep better after a good cry.

God has designed tears to appear unexpectedly, even when we don’t want them because it lets other people know that we need comfort and are suffering emotionally. Even a single tear gets the message across to those who can help even when we don’t want to share or admit our need.
In prayer claim God’s promise found in Isaiah 41:10 for yourself.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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Surviving the Holidays

12/26/2022

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Dealing with trauma is always challenging but the experience is more intense during the Christmas season. Since our most precious memories are part of the traditions and celebrations of Christmas and New Year, there are many things that can **trigger emotional ambushes.** Without warning, any of a number of activities—traditions, songs, sights, sounds, smells, foods can remind us of our loss.

At times we feel that we will not survive the holiday period. Each day, each celebration, each gathering is a dreaded event. One wishes that one could skip the many gatherings and just be alone.
However, grief counsellors, and those who have experienced grief say that in order to help recovery, it is better to say, “This is difficult but with God’s help I believe I can make it through these days.” They recommend that you remember the words of the Psalmist.
But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Psalms 10:14

As we continue we will share some practical ideas about how to do that. However, for today, do not try to fight your emotions when they come but claim this promise through prayer.

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SWIRLS OF NURTURE

Trauma in the Christmas Story

Allow the tears to come

Surviving the Holidays

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