Christmas Morning
When I woke up this morning, I looked around and realized it was Christmas. I followed my usual routine. Made my coffee, fed the animals, loved on my bunnies, did my morning prayer and sat in my chair and played solitaire. There was no decorations, no tree, no kids, no traditional Christmas. I just didn’t feel it this year. I was missing my son, both of them, missing my grandkids, missing my family. As much as I wanted to convince myself that I had settled my emotions and my feelings and am letting God be the center of my life. I guess deep inside it still hurts. My heart still aches for those that I have lost in my life. My son was always with me at Christmas, I always had family with me. But not this year. My husband had his own little world on his phone and did nothing but talk bad about everyone that was a liberal or was not conforming to what he believed to be right. He smoked his weed and went on about his day. When I tried to share with him it was always the same thing, I was cut off and he interjected his own opinions and his own stories. I am at the point that I would rather not share with him. So it’s just me and Jesus and I am okay with that. But still very lonely. So I decided I was going to do some research on my grief and loneliness. So I am going to share what I find with all of you. I’m sure there are more people out there going through the same situation. So here we go.
Dear Heavenly Father,
On this Christmas Day, when joy surrounds so many, some of us carry the quiet ache of loneliness—missing loved ones, feeling unseen, or simply alone in the celebration. Lord Jesus, You came as Emmanuel, God with us. You know the sting of rejection and the weight of solitude. Draw near to us now. Wrap Your loving arms around every hurting heart. Fill the empty spaces with Your peace, and remind us that we are never truly alone when You are here. Turn our sorrow into wonder at Your birth—the Light that shines in our darkness. Thank You for seeing us, holding us, and loving us without end.
In Your precious name, Jesus,
Amen.
The Bible provides profound guidance on grief, healing, and loneliness, emphasizing that as children of God, we don't have to face these alone or pretend to be unbreakable—God meets us in our vulnerability and offers strength through His presence and promises. While Christmas itself isn't detailed in Scripture (as it's a later Christian tradition celebrating Jesus' birth), the themes of incarnation, suffering, and hope in the Nativity story speak directly to finding comfort amid isolation during festive times. Below, I'll outline key teachings, drawing from relevant verses and their contexts.
On Grief and Healing
The Bible acknowledges grief as a natural part of life in a broken world but points to God as the ultimate source of restoration. It encourages us to bring our pain to Him rather than suppress it, trusting in His timing for healing.
Psalm 34:18-19 reminds us that "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." This assures that God doesn't abandon us in sorrow but actively draws close and provides deliverance, even if it's gradual.
Psalm 40:1-3 describes waiting on God amid despair: "I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God." Grief can feel like sinking in emotional quicksand, but God stabilizes us and transforms pain into praise over time.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 calls God the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." Suffering has purpose—it equips us to support others, and Christ's abundant comfort flows through our trials.
Psalm 147:3 states, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds," portraying God as a healer who mends emotional wounds like a physician.
These verses teach that healing isn't about instant fixes but leaning on God's faithfulness, allowing Him to bind wounds and restore joy.
On Loneliness and Being Alone
Scripture repeatedly affirms that even in isolation, God's children are never truly alone—He is an ever-present companion. This is especially comforting when holidays amplify feelings of solitude.
Deuteronomy 31:6 encourages, "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." As God's children, we can draw strength from His unwavering presence, even when human connections falter.
Isaiah 41:10 offers reassurance: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Loneliness doesn't mean abandonment; God provides direct strength and support.
Joshua 1:9 echoes this: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Hebrews 13:5-6 reminds us of God's promise: "I will never leave you nor forsake you," enabling us to say confidently, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear."
The Bible doesn't demand we "be strong" on our own; instead, our strength comes from recognizing God's nearness, which combats the lie of total aloneness.
Dealing with Holidays Like Christmas When Grieving or Alone
Holidays can intensify grief and isolation, but the Christmas narrative—Jesus entering a world of suffering—shows God empathizing with our pain. Born into humility and later facing rejection, Jesus models how to navigate sorrow amid celebration.
Luke 1:79 speaks to the Messiah's role: "To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Christmas celebrates this light breaking into our darkness, offering peace even when holidays feel heavy with loss.
In John 7:3-10, Jesus experiences family misunderstanding and attends a festival (Passover) in secret, highlighting His familiarity with holiday-related loneliness and betrayal. This shows He understands our struggles during family-oriented times like Christmas.
Colossians 1:24 invites us to "rejoice in my sufferings for your sake," using personal pain (like holiday grief) to deepen fellowship with Christ's own sufferings, turning isolation into intimacy with God.
Luke 22:39-46 depicts Jesus in Gethsemane, praying through anguish and loneliness before His crucifixion, showing He wrestled with suffering so He could sympathize with ours.
Hebrews 10:25 urges, "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another." While it's okay to grieve privately, Scripture warns against total isolation—reaching out to fellow believers during holidays can provide mutual comfort as part of God's family.
Overall, the Bible teaches that as children of God, we can be honest about our weakness because His power is made perfect in it (2 Corinthians 12:9). Christmas, at its core, is about Emmanuel—"God with us"—a reminder that Jesus came to bridge our loneliness. If grief persists, consider seeking community through church or counseling, as Scripture values bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). Trust that God uses these seasons for growth, promising eventual joy (John 16:20-22).
This sure helped me and I hope it helps you. Praise the Lord that we have Jesus in our life. He will never leave and will never let us suffer. I am so thankful that this was on my heart today. Thank you Jesus. Happy Birthday.
