Finding Joyful Gratitude Grace, and Forgiveness Through the Holidays
- Brittanie Visser
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
As the holidays approach, I've been reflecting deeply on the season - on the emotions it brings, the memories it stirs, and the faith that carries us through it all. Through recent gatherings, prayer times, and community moments, I've realized something powerful: none of us are truly alone.
The Weight of the Season
The holidays can be beautiful, but they can also be heavy. We can often feel the pressure to create the "perfect" celebration - to make sure everything goes just right. But that pursuit of perfection can bring stress, anxiety, and exhaustion.
Then there's the challenge of being around family or loved ones who may not understand us, or with whom we don't always connect easily. For some, the thought of large gatherings brings anxiety. For others, there's the ache of missing someone who is no longer here to celebrate with us.
And maybe, for some, life just feels hard right now. THe thought of answering "How are you?" feels overwhelming because the truth is - you're not doing so great.
A World in Need of Grace
In all my recent gatherings and conversations, I've seen a common thread: there is a deep need for love, kindness, and grace. Every single person is carrying something - pain, loss. worry, or uncertainty.
Scripture reminds us that struggle is part of life, but hope is never far away:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world." - John 16:33
That verse anchors me. It reminds me that even in the hardest moments, Jesus has already overcome what weighs us down.
The Power and Peace of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we're called to do. It's especially difficult when you're around someone who has hurt you - someone who has never apologized or acknowledged the pain they caused.
But forgiveness isn't about them. It's about the freedom and peace God gives you.
When you've forgive someone, and you've found peace through the Lord's strength, you may still face moments that bring back the pain - like seeing that person again during the holidays especially. Those emotions can rise up quickly, stirring your heart and your flesh. But remember: you can only control your own forgiveness, not their response.
Stop expecting apologies, explanations, or understanding from others. Instead, rest in what God has already shown you - His mercy, His grace, and the way He has held you through it all.
You don't have to navigate it through deep conversations or confrontation. Sometimes, simply showing up, walking in peace, and letting your light shine is the most powerful testimony of all.
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13
Forgiveness is not weakness - it's strength through the Holy Spirit. It's walking by faith, trusting that God is working in ways you may never see.
Preparing Our Hearts
As we step into Thanksgiving, I believe today - the day before - is a time for heart preparation. A time to pray, to reflect, and ask the Lord for strength and peace.
If tomorrow feels overwhelming, take a moment to step away. Step outside, breath, and pray. Ask God to fill you with His presence and help you walk in obedience and love.
I've carried pain into holidays before - missing loved ones, feeling unseen, or wishing for different circumstances. But this year for me I'm choosing gratitude. I'm going to be focused on being thankful for my children, for the moments of joy, for the change to love others, and for the healing He continues to bring into my life.
You Are Not Alone
If you find yourself alone or struggle this Thanksgiving, please don't isolate yourself. Reach out - to me, to a friend, to your church, or to your community. There is someone who wants to be with you, who cares about you, and who would love to share a meal or a moment with you.
If you know someone who might be spending the holiday along, reach out out them. Offer a plate of food, a phone call, or simply a kind word. You never know how deeply that small act of love can touch a heart.
Shining His Light
Tomorrow, I pray that my light - and yours - shines brightly. That no one and nothing can dim the love of Jesus that lives within us.
Let's walk into Thanksgiving with hearts full of grace, compassion and gratitude for all that Gad has provided. Let's teach our children the beauty of thankfulness, presence, and love - even when life feels imperfect.
Because that's what this season is truly about: not perfection, but presence. Not performance, but peace. Not pressure, but joy.
A Personal Note from My Heart
I can truly speak all of this from experience — every single part of it. I’ve been deeply hurt by people. I’ve acted out of emotion instead of faith, and I’ve seen how that can disrupt peace and steal the joy from moments that were meant to be beautiful.
I’ve known the pain of loss and loneliness. I’ve watched loved ones spend decades trapped in addiction, missing out on the holidays entirely. I’ve felt the ache of knowing someone I love sat alone year after year. I’ve walked into rooms filled with laughter and cheer, yet carried a heart that felt heavy — a heart that hurt for others, for the broken, for those who couldn’t find joy.
There were times I carried the weight of the world because I felt everything so deeply. But through my walk with God, He has healed me in ways I never thought possible. That same healing is available to you. I write this from the deepest part of my heart because I know what it’s like to live without peace, without prayer, and without God — and I know how life-changing it is to finally surrender it all to Him.
I have so much to be thankful for, but I also have things that could easily make me sad. Yet every day, I choose joy. I choose forgiveness. I choose to place it all in God’s hands — not just in words, but in truth. And every time I do, He fills me with peace.
Tomorrow, I’ll be surrounded by people who may not truly know me or love me — and that’s okay. They don’t have to understand me, because God knows my heart. He loves me through every season, every mistake, and every step of my journey. His grace has taught me how to love others, even those who have hurt me, because I see now that hurt people often hurt people.
If you take anything from this, let it be this: I’ve been there. I’ve lived without God and without prayer, and I don’t want that for you. Just try it — tomorrow, take a moment to pray. Invite God into your day, even if you never have before. See what He does in your heart. And keep doing it, through the holidays and beyond.
Because when you walk with Him, you don’t have to carry the weight of the world anymore — He carries it for you.
A Final Prayer
Lord, prepare our hearts for this season.
Fill us with gratitude for what we have,
Comfort for what we've lost,
And love for those around us.
Let our light shine so bright that no darkness can overcome it.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
With love and prayer,
Brittanie Visser
The Pace of Life -
Walking with God, One Grateful Step at a Time, in His perfect beat with peace.
Comments