Blessing for the dawn*
On the wild edge,
on the threshold,
when you are unsure, longing, and vulnerable
may you be held with love
In the distress,
In the defeat,
When you find that you dwell in the dust
may you find the hidden place of peace
In the long night,
in the holding vigil,
when you are betting on daylight:
may you awake to joy
*This blessing comes from Unhappy Holidays: Blessings for a Blue Christmas, Sherah-Leigh’s newly released Advent devotional.
As we move into the holiday season, we’re hosting a giveaway! Leave a comment on this post by midnight on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, and you will be eligible to win a signed copy of Unhappy Holidays along with a custom mug created by our friend at Muddy Creek Ceramics.
We often think of the Christmas season as a time of good cheer, but what happens when the reality of life stands in stark contrast to these expectations? When the nest is empty or family relationships are strained? Cancer diagnoses, divorce proceedings, and natural disasters do not care about calendar time. How do we live into the spirit of Christmas when things feel bleak?
With thoughtful reflections and compassionate blessings drawn from the familiar biblical texts of Advent, Unhappy Holidays invites readers to recover a sense of hope and notice how God shows up in daily life amid our heartache, grief, and loss.
Now available for purchase here!
We hope that this has brought you some comfort and joy. If this has been meaningful for you please like, comment or share this with others.
And in case you missed it, we wrote a book! Comfort and Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent may be a wonderful companion for you this holiday season.
some comfort and joy 
I really enjoy your writing and posts and have been blessed by them. I look forward to reading your new book!
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Thank you for your kind encouragement and support, Angela!
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I already bought my copy of your new book but would love a copy to send to a friend.
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I’m looking forward to reading Unhappy Holidays as my father passed away unexpected a few weeks ago. Thanks for writing this book.
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I am sorry for your loss, Barb. First holidays are their own unique journey. I pray the book will be a comfort and support to you in these weeks.
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I bought this book for my friend and her family. She was a welcoming deaconess to me and has now chosen Hospice
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Thanks for sharing, Margaret. I hope the book is a comfort to her and her family in these days.
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I have given several copies away to people and so far the feedback is amazing. Our pastor has been reading it and remarked on how much he has appreciated that this book cares for the soul.
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So lovely to hear this, Tamara. Thank you for sharing the book with so many folks.
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I am looking forward to using your book this advent season. Thank you for writing it. It will touch so many lives.
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the blessing for today really met the moment 💓
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Thank you so much! I am so encouraged by your writings! God bless you!
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Thank you for a book to meet the needs of those who will never experience holidays again in the same way. Much needed.
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