It is Christmas Eve and yesterday, I woke up feeling heavy. Before I even got out of bed, I found myself in tears. I wasn’t sure where it came from—maybe the season we’re in, a dream I had, or just the weight of life. But in that moment, I remembered Psalm 56:8: “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?”
That verse has always reminded me of how much God values our tears. They’re not meaningless to Him. They’re seen, counted, and cherished. When I find myself overcome with emotion, I’m comforted knowing that God is close, that He cares, and that He will move in His perfect time to heal, comfort, and restore.
In ancient times, tears were seen as deeply significant and sacred. People believed tears represented the depth of their emotions. Tear bottles, also called lachrymatories, were small vessels used to collect tears during moments of grief or great emotion. These bottles were often buried with their owners as a symbol of their heartfelt prayers, sorrows, and experiences, demonstrating the belief that tears held eternal value and were precious in the eyes of God. This practice reflects Psalm 56:8, which reminds us that God treasures every tear and keeps a record of our pain.
Even though it’s Christmas Eve—a time filled with joy, family, and celebration—sometimes we still feel the weight of sadness. Maybe you’ve had a hard year, or maybe you’re holding on to pain that others can’t see. If that’s you, I want to encourage you: God sees you. He values your tears, and He’s present with you in your hurt.
When I was overcome with emotion yesterday, I invited God into that moment. I asked Him, “What do I do with this pain?” He led me to journal. As I poured out my thoughts, I started to reflect on the tears I’ve cried this year. And here’s what I realized:
This wasn’t my first time crying, and it won’t be my last, but as I think about the pain I carried into 2024, I’m fully convinced of God’s power to heal, comfort, and resolve. God has been faithful in every single moment of my pain. As I look back on the moments of grief I had this year, I can see how He’s brought healing and resolution, little by little. The things that once hurt me so deeply don’t sting the same way anymore. And that gives me hope for whatever pain I’m still carrying.
So this Christmas Eve, I want to share that hope with you. Even if you’re not crying today, maybe you can reflect on the tears you’ve shed this year.
As you reflect on your tears from this year, how have you seen God move in your life? What evidence of His healing, comfort, or restoration can you point to?
If you’re still waiting for healing, know this: God hasn’t forgotten you. He treasures your tears, and He’s working, even now, to bring resolution in His perfect timing.
As we gather with loved ones, celebrate, and reflect, let’s also take a moment to thank God for how far He’s brought us. And let’s look forward with faith, trusting that the same God who carried us this year will walk with us into the next.
Merry Christmas!