“The first Christmas came with gifts meant for broken hearts.” Christmas is often one of the hardest seasons for parents grieving the loss of a child. Today, I reprise a solo episode originally recorded in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic which speaks into a time marked by isolation, uncertainty, and compounded grief. Separated from loved ones, surrounded by illness and fear, many bereaved parents were carrying more than ever before. In this episode, I reflect on the Christmas story through the lens of Isaiah 9:6, focusing not on the gifts we exchange, but on the gifts given at the very moment Jesus was born. In this episode, I discuss:The gift of our Wonderful Counselor, when no human words are enoughThe gift of our Mighty God, whose strength carries us in our weaknessThe gift of our Everlasting Father, steady and committed now and foreverThe gift of our Prince of Peace, offering peace with God amid chaos and sorrowThe gift of Immanuel—God with us, near to the brokenhearted and crushed in spiritThrough Scripture, personal reflection, and gentle encouragement, this episode reminds grieving parents that they are not alone—especially when traditions feel altered, expectations feel heavy, and the future feels uncertain.A reminder for this seasonWhen Christmas feels overwhelming… When your heart aches for what used to be… When your child’s name goes unspoken… When a new year feels impossible to imagine…God is with us. That is the gift of Immanuel.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: [email protected]