The beauty of the Christmas season is in full swing! Trees are out, lights are up, and Christmas carols are playing on the radio.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Unless it’s not.

For some, it can feel like the most isolating and lonely time of the year.

I have friends (you probably do as well) who are trying to navigate the merriest season of all while quietly wrestling with loneliness or struggling with grief and loss.

So, as Dean Martin croons about a marshmallow world for sweethearts, how can we reflect the Light of the world to our friends who feel alone and may be silently suffering during this holy season?

The answer can be found in tidings of comfort and joy.

Second Corinthians 1: 3 and 4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

If you’re old enough to be reading this, you’ve probably suffered from the “affliction” of loneliness or grief at one point in time or another. They are common to all.

Do you remember how God comforted you during those seemingly hopeless days and nights? How did He sit with you during those seasons and strengthen your joy?

Because we’ve experienced His incredible comfort, we now have the honor of wrapping our arms around others who are suffering and ministering God’s gracious comfort to them.

As members of the body of Christ, it’s what we do – help carry each other’s burden (Galatians 6:2).

So as sleigh bells ring and mommy kisses Santa Claus under the mistletoe, may I suggest two simple ways to bring tidings of comfort and joy to your single family and friends this season.

First, include them. The deep ache of loneliness they’re feeling springs from a God-inspired need to belong. To be seen, loved, and cared for as someone who was special enough to be made in God’s own image.

Invitations to dinner, connecting over some shopping or coffee dates, or sitting together during those special church services can mean everything to someone who is feeling very overlooked by our culture’s romanticized version of the Holidays.

Second, keep Jesus at the center. As commercials and billboards advertise happy couples romping through a winter wonderland or roasting chestnuts on an open fire, let’s be faithful to remind each other of the real Reason we are celebrating this holy season.

Jesus. The God-Man who was born a babe, walked among us, and provided a way for us to be a part of His forever family.

Because of Him, we are truly never alone but are eternally seen, loved, valued, and cared for more deeply than we can imagine.

As we embrace these two simple reminders, it will help all of us celebrate the Joy of the world that the little town of Bethlehem gave reason for heaven and earth to sing on that silent night so long ago!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!