S11.18 | When Christmas Feels Heavy: Encouragement for the Weary Christian Woman
Christmas is often painted as a season of joy, peace, and celebration - but for many women, it feels heavy instead.
If you’re walking through grief, loneliness, disappointment, burnout, or overwhelm this Christmas, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, Carla offers gentle encouragement for the Christian woman who is struggling, reminding her that God does not ask for emotional performance - He offers His presence.
Together, we’ll explore how Christmas is not about perfection, but about Emmanuel - God with us - in the middle of our pain. You’ll be reminded that your struggle does not mean your faith is weak, your questions do not offend God, and your weariness does not disqualify you from rest.
Did you know that Carla is a Christian Mental Health coach?
See if working with her is what you need in your current season.
Book a discovery call today!
3 Key Takeaways from This Episode
Struggling at Christmas does not mean your faith is weak.
God welcomes honesty, lament, and real emotion—especially in seasons of grief and disappointment.The heart of Christmas is presence, not perfection.
Emmanuel means God is with you in the heaviness, not just in the joy.Rest is a spiritual act of trust, not failure.
God is not asking you to do more this season—He is inviting you to come close and receive rest.
🔗 Want to Go Deeper?
Get on the waitlist for the next Rooted & Resilient cohort https://carla-arges.myflodesk.com/v6slser7rb
If you’re in your own season of overwhelm - where life feels heavier than you ever expected and you’re trying to hold it all together - you don’t have to walk through it alone. Inquire about 1:1 coaching ---> Book a FREE Discovery call
Connect With Carla:
Foundations to Healing—-> https://www.carlaarges.com/foundations-of-healing
Inquire about 1:1 coaching ---> Book a FREE Discovery call
Come hangout on IG with me @carlaarges
Check out the blog
Resources:
5 Steps to Building Resiliency
Affirming Truths Facebook Community
5 Tips for Overcoming a Negative Body Image
Who You Say I Am Biblical Affirmation Cards
Quick recap
Carla discussed the challenges women face during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and acknowledging feelings of grief, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion. She explored the Christmas narrative and theme of faith, highlighting that God's presence is not dependent on perfect circumstances and encouraging listeners to find peace in being present rather than striving for perfection. Carla concluded by affirming God's love and presence during challenging times, offering support and encouraging listeners to find rest and let go of expectations during the holiday season.
Summary
Holiday Grief and Self-Compassion
Carla discusses the challenges faced by women during the holiday season, including grief, loneliness, unmet expectations, and emotional exhaustion. She acknowledges that these feelings are not unique to this year but are more prevalent this season. Carla emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and encourages listeners to acknowledge their feelings, especially if they are struggling with the holiday season.
Christmas Emotions and God's Acceptance
Carla discussed the challenges of the Christmas season, emphasizing that it's normal to feel pain and struggle, and encouraging listeners not to feel guilty for their emotions. She highlighted that God accepts people's honest feelings and doesn't require emotional performance, referencing the Bible's examples of honest prayers and lament. Carla concluded by emphasizing that the true essence of Christmas is presence, not perfect circumstances, and that people have control over their own actions and responses.
Christmas in Imperfect Circumstances
Carla discussed the Christmas narrative, emphasizing that Jesus entered a world of chaos and suffering, not a pristine one, to demonstrate that God's presence is not dependent on perfect circumstances. She highlighted that the miracle of Christmas is God's closeness in imperfection, and she acknowledged that many may experience disappointment and unmet prayers during this season. Carla also clarified that lamenting, or expressing pain and questioning God's presence, does not indicate a lack of faith but rather a deep faith that maintains a relationship with God despite misunderstandings.
Faith in Disappointment and Rest
Carla discussed the theme of faith and disappointment, emphasizing that God is not offended by questions and remains faithful even when circumstances are challenging. She encouraged listeners to lay down their plans and accept their current situation, finding ways to flourish despite difficulties. Carla also addressed the issue of burnout, reminding the audience that God does not expect them to do more, especially during the Christmas season, and offered Jesus' invitation to find rest and trust in God.
Embrace Holiday Simplicity
Carla encouraged listeners to embrace a quieter holiday season without feeling guilty about simplifying their commitments. She emphasized that God's love is not conditional on how much one does or shows up, and she challenged listeners to examine their self-imposed expectations and the stories they tell themselves about busyness and rest. Carla concluded by suggesting that the holiday season could be about letting Jesus be the moment, rather than striving for perfection, and encouraged listeners to find peace in simply being present.
Finding Peace in God's Love
Carla shared an affirming message about God's love and presence, particularly during challenging times, and offered her support to the audience. She encouraged them to find rest during the holiday season and to let go of expectations, quoting Matthew 11:28-30. Carla also provided her contact information for those seeking further support and encouragement, emphasizing that her help is rooted in Christ.