Krista Isaacson: Finding Christmas Joy When You're Missing Loved Ones

Stories of Hope in Hard Times

Krista shares the story of her grandfather spending his first Christmas away from his wife as a soldier in Korea where he spent a humble and joyful Christmas in an orphanage as he shared a simple gift. She also shares how she has found joy during the holidays even after her daughter has passed away.

Episode Discussion Points

• Holiday tradition—pick any box of sugared cereal for Christmas Morning breakfast
• Krista tells the story of her grandfather leaving his brand new bride to go serve in the Korean War.
• Her grandpa said it was hard to see the little children who were orphaned due to the war.
• Someone in the village set up a little makeshift orphanage in a bombed out village
• He and a buddy would take anything they could and visit the children in the orphanage.
• Taking the hard tack candy from his care package and giving it to the children in the orphanage—and their joy since this was their only Christmas present.
• The children then danced for them in their bare feet and ragged clothes to say thank you.

Lessons Learned

• Be thankful for the blessings we have and never take them for granted because things can so easily be taken away.
• Even in the hardest, darkest days there can still be things that bring us hope
• Allow others to come into your darkness and bless your life
• If you are away from family during the holidays, look for someone to serve
• True joy doesn’t come from decorations, family or lights—it comes from serving and giving what you can.

To People Grieving Loved Ones During the Holidays

• If you feel stuck—it is okay
• Be patient with yourself and allow time and grace as you go through all the emotions
• Don’t pretend grief doesn’t exist
• Try not to be stuck forever. Allow yourself moments and times to grieve, and then say, “I don’t want to be stuck here.”
• Remember the joyful times—Krista wants her angel daughter to know (in heaven) that her death didn’t only bring sadness to her life, that she also remembers the joyful times as well.
• Each Christmas Krista and her husband write their angel daughter a letter and stick it in her stocking. In this letter they make a promise to her of something they will do that coming year to better themselves, serve others or add goodness. Because these are the things that will help them become more like her and be prepared to be where she is in heaven.
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Favorite Bible Verse about Jesus Christ

• Isaiah 12:2, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”
• It is a process to truly learn to trust God and have Him become our salvation.

Connect with Krista

• Listen to her podcast where she shares the story of losing her young daughter to a brain tumor here: Krista Isaacson: Courageously Trusting God With Heavy Burdens
• Buy her book Unbearable Burden on Amazon. This makes a great Christmas Gift—especially to someone struggling with grief.
• https://www.kristamisaacson.com/
• Facebook: Krista Walker Isaacson
• Instagram: @kristamisaacson

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Transcription

You can find the transcription of today's episode here: https://www.tamarakanderson.com/podcasts/krista-isaacson-finding-christmas-joy-when-youre-missing-loved-ones