The holidays are usually pictured as a time of family, togetherness, and joy. The streets and stores are abuzz with shoppers, and homes across the country eagerly await the return and visits from loved ones they don’t often see during the year. For some, however, this season can be one of loneliness. Some may be missing loved ones, live too far away to travel home for the holidays, or feel forgotten. As Christ followers, we are called to see the unnoticed and love the unloved.
As believers, we have the incredible opportunity to carry the light of Christ into dark and lonely spaces. The world celebrates the season with gifts and glitter, but we know the true reason for the season: Jesus and the hope He gives. His birth tells the story of a God who entered our lonely spaces and brought comfort, peace, and hope.
The Reason for the Season
Christmas is not about perfection or performance; it is about God being present with us. Jesus came to a world that was in great need of a Savior and brought light to the darkness. When we strip away the shopping lists and busyness, Christmas is about His presence, not presents. The holiday season can easily become a blur of events and expectations, but when we slow down and ask God to help us see with His eyes, we begin to notice the people around us who are quietly struggling. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus didn’t love us from afar; He came close. That is the very same invitation He extends to us to draw near to others.
When we take the time to notice those who may be lonely, we become reflections of His love. Simple things like a text, a phone call, an invitation to go Christmas shopping, or even to come to a family dinner for the holidays can mean more to someone than you know. Although it started out by happenstance, the viral story of the grandma and teen who have celebrated over ten Thanksgivings together is so heartwarming as these two strangers have now become like family over the last decade. As Christians, we can be that light and open the door for someone else who may need our kindness.
Look for the Lonely
We can and should also look for those who are overlooked. Ask God to give you open eyes to those who may be lonely—perhaps the quiet coworker, the widow, the college student, or the single mom. Loneliness often isn’t obvious; it sometimes hides behind what we see on the outside. A listening ear can be a great free gift you give someone this year.
Be Hospitable
Hospitality doesn’t have to be perfect. Fancy meals and well-decorated homes are not required. Make room in your schedule, at your table, and in your heart. Invite someone to share dinner or to church. Your warm welcome can point him or her to a deeper hope found in Christ. Romans 12:13 says, “Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.” When we open our doors, we reflect the heart of our Savior, who is always inviting, welcoming, and making room. Again, it doesn’t have to be elaborate; it’s the effort that truly counts. The goal is not perfection; it’s connection.
Model Hope Through Serving
One of the best ways to combat feelings of loneliness, both our own and others’, is through serving. When we shift the focus outward, we begin to experience the joy of giving ourselves away for His glory. Simple acts of kindness, such as baking cookies for a neighbor, delivering meals, and sending an encouraging card, all speak volumes. One family did “surprise Santa cookie drop-offs” to different families throughout the holiday season. It was such a fun and festive idea. When we serve others, we become vessels of the love that Jesus modeled for us. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40b). Every time we serve, we are serving Him.
This holiday season, slow down enough to truly see the people that God places in our path. Reach out compassionately, listen gracefully, and love intentionally. While we cannot fix every broken heart or fill every empty seat at the table, we can point others to the only One who can.
Jesus came to bring light to the darkness and invites us to do the same in our communities. We can choose to love like Jesus did. He was intentional, compassionate, and without reservation. Sometimes the smallest gesture of kindness can be the greatest reminder to someone that he or she is seen, loved, and not alone. Christmas is not just a celebration; it’s a mission to love like Christ loves us. He loves us freely, selflessly, and wholeheartedly. When we reach out to the lonely, we become living vessels and reminders of Emmanuel, the God who is with us.
About Jasmine Luter
Jasmine Luter is the wife of Chip Luter, senior associate pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a mom to Fred “Drew” Luter IV (11), Zoe Luter (8), and Gabrielle Luter (2). She graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana in 2007 with a B.S. in Psychology and went on to obtain a Master’s of Public Health from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 2009. She works for the State of Louisiana Office of Public Health grant program, Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network, as a data collections specialist and is also a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom. She has a heart and passion for serving other moms. In her spare time she enjoys writing, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. You can follow her on Instagram @mamayouareloved.
