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Christmas brings out the jolliest of hearts for many — but for others, the season can stir up deep pain, longing, and grief. This year is Jill Forbes’ second Christmas since the sudden and unexpected passing of her husband, and in this conversation, she invites listeners into what this season looks like for her now.

Jill shares her story with hosts Lynne Stroy and Joey Svendsen, opening up about what she’s learned so far, how she’s navigating the slow work of healing, and the tension of holding both joy and sorrow at the same time. She talks about the curriculum she’s developing to help people better prepare for grief and loss, and she reflects on the ways friends and community have shown support — and the ways people sometimes unintentionally miss the mark. Jill also names the parts of deep grief that really can’t be understood unless you’ve lived through it.

At the top of the episode, the hosts take a moment to talk through the old “Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays” culture wars, process the brokenness and beauty of our world, and hear Luke share what Christmas looks like for Christians in India.

It’s a tender, honest, and hopeful conversation — one that sits right in the middle of both ache and celebration, much like the season itself.

On this episode: Jill Forbes

Hosts: Lynne Stroy, Joey Svendsen, Luke Gaikwad, Roy Jacques 

"What Child is This," by Seacoast Music. 

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Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver

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