When You Feel Lonely During the Holidays

November 27 , 2024

Some people are in a season of their lives where the holidays are full of family gatherings and loved ones.

But, for others, the coming holiday season is a reminder of how we wished things were different. For many, the holiday season highlights the empty nest that didn’t used to be empty, or it reminds us of the loss we’ve experienced in our lives. For others, it might just feel gloomy and lonely.

Whatever boat you find yourself in this holiday season, I want to encourage you.

First, I want to say that, if you woke up feeling lonely this morning, Jesus understands.

Jesus was despised and rejected by the people he created. He experienced loneliness throughout his entire life.

During his final hours, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. This was an emotional time for him. He knew the very next day he would be crucified on the cross, separated from his Father.

Since Jesus had a need for human companionship, he took his three best friends—Peter, James, and John—with him into the garden. He said to them, “I’m very sad . . . Stay here and keep alert with me” (Matthew 26:38 CEB).

What did they do? They fell asleep! Jesus came back and said, “Couldn’t you stay alert one hour with me?” (Matthew 26:40 CEB)

Jesus must have felt so lonely in that moment.

If you’re lonely today, Jesus understands and he wants to give you relief. The ultimate way that Jesus can relieve your loneliness is by making you part of his family. Through his own lonely death and then his Resurrection, Jesus made it possible for you to belong to God’s family.

When you’re part of God’s family, you still may face seasons when you feel lonely. But you will never truly be alone again.

Second, I want to encourage you that, if you feel lonely this holiday season take the hard first step (or uncomfortable step) to reach out to others. Initiate. Don’t wait around for an invitation. Invite someone over. You may be surprised to find other people in the same boat as you.

Instead of thinking, “I’m so lonely,” say, “Father, help me be a friend to people who need a friend. Help me to help lonely people.” That’s an effective antidote for loneliness.

You can help others become rich in relationships by giving them the gift of you. Invite someone to coffee. Throw a get-to-gether. Go serve somewhere. Volunteer at church. Join a team. Initiate connection. This is hard to do when you have that looming feeling of being alone... but it's the only way out. 

Genesis 2:18 says, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (NIV). Community is God’s answer to loneliness. I pray that you find that within your church family this holiday season. 

If you're in the area, I hope that you'll join us for our annual pie social tonight at 7pm. It'll be an opportunity to connect over a slice of pie, celebrate with those getting baptized, and a time to share what you are thankful for.

And, whether or not we see you tonight, I hope you have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow... no matter what season of life you're in, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.