When Time Feels Stolen During the Holidays: How Jesus Restores What Trauma Takes
The Ghost of Christmas Past
As I write this, Christmas is quickly approaching, and the timeless tale of Scrooge in A Christmas Carol comes to mind. A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and cold-hearted man who despises Christmas and kindness. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and then by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Through these supernatural encounters, Scrooge comes to see the consequences of his greed and is transformed into a generous and compassionate person who embodies the true spirit of Christmas.
Perhaps in some way this season, you can connect with our character Ebenezer Scrooge, where your heart has hardened, for whatever reason. It may be during the Christmas season that the proverbial "Ghost of Christmas Past" visits, knocking on the door of your heart and reminding you of seasons past, overshadowing your current days with sadness, pain, or anger.
The pain of the past can sometimes be referred to as trauma, and perhaps the Holy Ghost may be visiting this holiday season to reveal how your past can be redeemed, so that you can enjoy the present and have a hopeful future.
How Trauma Impacts the Brain
Over the last several decades, numerous discoveries have been made regarding the brain, and it has become more accessible due to individuals like Dan Siegel, Allan Shore, Jim Wilder, and Kurt Thompson, among others. Three regions of the brain are impacted by trauma and have a unique impact on us:
The amygdala is responsible for detecting threats and becomes hyperactive after trauma, causing individuals to remain in a constant state of alertness or hypervigilance. This means even minor triggers can provoke intense fear or anxiety, as the brain interprets everyday situations as dangerous. This could also cause individuals to be easily frustrated or prone to anger.
The hippocampus, which organizes and stores memories, is often impaired by trauma, leading to fragmented, intrusive, or disorganized memories. This can make it difficult to distinguish between past trauma and present reality, resulting in flashbacks or dissociation.
The prefrontal cortex, which regulates emotions and decision-making, becomes less active, weakening the brain's ability to calm the amygdala and manage emotional responses. This imbalance leads to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and difficulty with self-control.
Certain events in our lives can change the ways we perceive the world and interact with others. Trauma can rob us of our present joy and future hope, as it may be challenging to envision a positive life ahead - it can make you feel constantly on edge, emotionally numb, or checked out.
Scrooge's visit with the Ghost of Christmas Past brought back memories of his childhood, as well as key events, including the loss of a significant relationship in his life. His story reminds us that as we make sense of the past, we can change and have a new outlook on life.
Research now clearly indicates that healing is possible, as the brain's plasticity enables it to rewire itself in a healthy manner.
Trauma can be a series of many events that compromise our sense of safety or belonging, or a single, significant event. It leaves a lasting effect on our minds, bodies, and relationships - but through compassionate care and God's presence, new hope and healing are always possible.
Can Jesus Really Restore?
"So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame" (Joel 2:25–26).
The simple yet profound truth that Jesus can restore wasted years remains true today. With these new discoveries about the brain, the "healing of memories" is possible. Hope Healing Counseling offers Christian Counseling that combines the counseling sciences with an invitation to Jesus in each session.
Immanuel Prayer is a gentle, interactive approach to healing that invites us into a personal, experiential connection with Jesus, allowing His presence to bring peace and restoration even to our most painful memories. Grounded in both neuroscience and Scripture, this method helps us process past hurts safely while deepening our secure attachment with God, which rewires our hearts and minds for lasting transformation. Through each encounter, we discover not just freedom from old wounds, but also the joy of truly knowing we are loved, seen, and never alone.
Attachment-Based Therapy encompasses various approaches, such as EFT and AEDP, that allow for more conventional 'talk therapy' where you do not have to engage in prayer directly, or can be combined with something like Immanuel Prayer.
Christian Couples Counseling: At times, individual work is helpful; however, if you and your partner are along the journey and writing your stories together, couples work can also help heal past hurts.
The fact of the matter is that you are unique, and so is your story. You need someone who will take the time to learn about your story while having the expertise to guide you through the dark halls of the past, so that your present moment is not overshadowed by past pain, and you can embrace a hopeful future. We are ready to walk with you today.
