Comfort for the Holidays

Feeling alone during the holiday season is something experienced by many.  Some reports indicate that up to half of Americans report holiday blues. When those feelings are due to estranged family relationships or the death of loved ones, it can add to the feeling that life is to be endured rather than enjoyed. What comfort can we find from the word of God?

It may be surprising to know that God is especially interested in the orphan, widow, and those abandoned. So much of Christian life seems to be centered around marriage and family with few acknowledgements that there are many who are alone but still in Christ.  In fact, the bible says that true Christianity is to look after the orphans and widows.

The heart of God is to bind up our wounds having removed the curse of eternal death from the human family. We can go to His word for comfort and a renewed perspective about our circumstances.

Spiritual Comfort for Those Who Are Alone

Much of how we feel is based upon our thoughts and perceptions regarding our circumstances. Reframing our thoughts can ease the feeling of loneliness and depression we may feel during this season and throughout the year. The mirror of God’s word is perfect for helping us to see ourselves and our situation from God’s perspective. Once we have the knowledge of God’s perspective, we can have the faith to pray to ask for His help and expect a positive outcome.

In God’s goodness, He did not hesitate to include His thoughts and care for those who feel abandoned and alone.  With knowledge that there are some without mother or father, He assures us that He himself will become mother and father to them. This sentiment is repeated throughout His word and includes how He feels about widows. God also assures us that we are never alone in our sorrows.

We can know that as we continue in these last days, the feeling of aloneness may increase because of the lessening of warmth between humans, but we are never invisible, forgotten, or left alone by God. He will provide and be for us what we need. He also assures us that we will never experience more than we can bear without Him making a way out for us.

Practical Tips for Dealing with the Holidays

Besides meditating on God’s word, there are also practical things one can do to find comfort during the holidays, if they usually prove to be difficult.

(1) Reach Out – Allow yourself to be vulnerable with those you trust and explain that this season can be especially challenging to you. You may find that others in your circle feel the same way or help those in your circle to know how best to be there for you.

(2) Plan Ahead – You don’t have to ignore the holidays. Make a list of activities you enjoy and plan to do them. You can prepare or order your favorite meal, watch a favorite movie, and be sure to be extra patient and compassionate with yourself during this season.

(3) Invite Others – Ever planned your own dinner party? Why not start a new tradition for yourself by planning your holiday meal and inviting others. It is not a rarity that many feel lonely during the holidays and are without close family. Work, church, and volunteer activities offer opportunity to make friendships and extend an invitation to someone during this season.

If you are not one who lacks the comfort of family during the holidays, be sure to reach out to someone who is. Showing love to one another is the second commandment emphasized by Jesus Christ. No one should be left to feel that they are alone in this world and without comfort. As we comfort one another, we ourselves will be further comforted.