# The NEXT Podcast Episode 49: Not So Wonderful

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-next-podcast-moving-forward-with-grief-and-loss-7049767/the-next-podcast-episode-49-not-so-wonderful
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-next-podcast-moving-forward-with-grief-and-loss-7049767/the-next-podcast-episode-49-not-so-wonderful.md
Podcast: [The Next Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and Loss](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-next-podcast-moving-forward-with-grief-and-loss-7049767)
Published: 2025-12-18T19:57:06+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jay-cookingham/episodes/The-NEXT-Podcast-Episode-49-Not-So-Wonderful-e3ci33r
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/fc08e024/podcast/play/112839227/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2025-11-18%2F28b52ede-e4ee-4bd8-7290-c48e25ab4a8a.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-next-podcast-moving-forward-with-grief-and-loss-7049767/episodes/the-next-podcast-episode-49-not-so-wonderful
Duration seconds: 565

## Resource

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” … or is it? For many walking through grief, Christmas doesn’t feel wonderful at all. In this deeply honest episode, Jay reflects on another Christmas without his bride and the complicated, messy reality of holding grief and celebration at the same time. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and the truth of the gospel, Jay explores the difference between seasonal cheer and lasting joy. He reminds us that joy is not the absence of sorrow, but the presence of hope — rooted in belonging to Jesus, the Light of the world. This episode offers comfort for those who feel lonely, weary, or out of sync with the holiday season, while gently pointing listeners back to Emmanuel — God with us and God for us — even in seasons that don’t feel merry or bright. If Christmas feels “not so wonderful” this year, you’re not alone. This conversation invites you to choose worship, receive God’s indescribable gift, and trust His goodness as you move forward.

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## Transcript

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