BGEA: This Christmas will be hard for me. Most of my relatives are gone now (including my husband), and the few I do have are either too old or live too far away. I am completely alone. Please tell people to reach out to lonely people during holidays, because it's hard for them.

This Christmas will be hard for me. Most of my relatives are gone now (including my husband), and the few I do have are either too old or live too far away. I am completely alone. Please tell people to reach out to lonely people during holidays, because it's hard for them. — Mrs. C.N.

Thank you for your letter - and I hope many readers will take your words to heart. You're right: Holidays are especially hard when we've lost our loved ones or they aren't near us, and the friendship of another person is especially welcome then.

Let me point out two truths about loneliness. First, we are never completely alone when we know Jesus Christ. When we turn to Christ in faith and commit our lives to Him, He comes to live within us by His Spirit, and He is constantly with us. Jesus' promise is true: "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Is Christ real to you?

Second, God wants us to reach out to those who are lonely and let them know we care. When we feel all alone, it's hard to reach out to others - and yet that may be exactly what we need to do to overcome our own loneliness. All around you are people who may be just as lonely as you are. Ask God to help you to be a friend to them.

Remember: No one was ever lonelier than Jesus when He went to the cross for us. He knows what it is to be lonely! But because He died and rose again for us, He is with us now - and will be with us through all eternity.

35 Comments

Amy says 12.11.2012, 06:23 a.m.

I can relate to Dee. I lost my son five days after Christmas. A few years later my ex husband took my other son and will not let me see or talk to him. I really dread the holidays.

Bilsheba says 12.10.2012, 07:18 a.m.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! remember we are there for you.

Gerry says 12.7.2012, 4:28 p.m.

I invited my three widowed neighbors for a Christmas coffee and treats. They were so happy and talked a shared a few tears over their losses. It was a moving and spiritual time.

Stephen says 12.7.2012, 3:40 p.m.

My Step Mother Past this year Nov 8th,,, She was last of Family.. Dealt with 17 family related death within the Past 11 years... I am alone, but Not alone,, My Mom, I were Planing to have Christmas Together, but Plans have Change... Pray for us?

Dee says 1.3.2012, 3:05 p.m.

I lost my 19 year old son 5 years ago. It has devastated my family. We are not the same people. I go all out at Christmas, though I do not feel like it. I dread every last bit of the cooking, cleaning, decorating, etc. I hope God is not judging.

Janet says 12.19.2011, 2:38 p.m.

I have a lot of neighbors who are seniors and alone. I try to reach out to them. They really appreciate a card or a visit. We can't reach everyone but each one of us can reach out to a few neighbors in love and help to ease the feeling of isolation

Patricia says 12.19.2011, 00:00 a.m.

Wonderful advice! Rev. Billy Graham, we love you and will be praying for you this Christmas season with the loss of your own beloved, lovely wife, Ruth. God Bless You for the millions of people you have reached out to.

diana says 5.11.2011, 2:40 p.m.

I lost my mother to cancer. The battle during and after her death has been overwhelmiing. Having her pass away in my arms is an experience that has made me feel like i could just kill myself. At the time i felt so alone like no one was around or understood what i was going through, but God stepped into my life and put his arms around me. I still grieve a lot, but i know my god is carrying me...on the days when i see only one set of foot prints.

Bob says 5.4.2011, 1:57 p.m.

One of the best therapies for bereavement is to reach out and befriend someone else who is lonely because sometimes we need faith with skin on. In addition, praying for others who have suffered similar losses is helpful to them and also to us. God's blessings and encouragement are available to all.

Mirtha says 5.4.2011, 01:53 a.m.

I had lost many family members including my father with brain cancer in 4 months, my mother from a heart attack and my nephew being a quadraplegic for many years. But in every instance the love of the Lord was so precious that I felt His presence in every experience. The love and peace of the Lord surpasses all understanding and He will always hold you in the palm of His hand.

Ernie says 4.26.2011, 9:44 p.m.

I have not yet experienced the loss of an immediate family member. Thank you for your strong words. "It has been appointed that every man shall die..." Heb, 9:27. I am so glad that when my family comes to have to experience this, we will be surrounded by people such as you, people who will say, "I know how you feel." God Bless.

Pamela says 4.26.2011, 11:30 a.m.

I too have had loved ones pass. My husband died in Sept 2010. I am learning to honor his memory by being around family. He was a social butterfly, a family man and I admired that in him. He never met a stranger. So on those special occassions, I am asking God for the strength to honor him by laughing, smiling and loving on others and not to have too many pity parties. Yes I cry but I do not cry as those that have no hope! God Bless!

Naomi says 4.26.2011, 10:36 a.m.

May the God of comfort be with all the lonely hearts. I don't know any of you but I love you with the love of God. I wish i would be there for you in presence but since i am limited may the unlimited sweet Jesus be there for you.

Cassie says 4.26.2011, 06:35 a.m.

I have family and co-workers around me but no friends. It is hard for me to trust any of them. I have inner turmoil and anger issues. I went to a church service on Easter morning and felt intolerant and angry at everyone and then I feel ashamed of myself and hate myself. I want to be new again so please pray for me.

Helen says 4.25.2011, 8:57 p.m.

I have been alone before in my life and I have had plenty of family and people around me and still felt alone. I have a large family of siblings and children, but I am becoming more convinced that if we have one good friend who we can trust and confide in, that we will be ok and won't feel alone. Of course, we are never alone when we have Jesus, but we do need someone who we can touch and look in the eye and communicate with down here too. A friend sticks closer than a brother...a true friend.

Esther says 4.25.2011, 5:53 p.m.

I had very lonely 7 years after I had divorce. Here are the Bible verses that walked me through those difficult times. They are always the food of my soul. Hope you find strength as well: 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV): "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Madlyn says 4.25.2011, 12:44 a.m.

I, too, feel all alone. I lost a daughter from cancer and also my two sisters and brother. I am the only one left in my family. I have a son and a daughter but they live out of state and very seldom call me. I am caretaker for my husband also, with no help. I pray every day to my Savior for strength and comfort and, thanks be to OUR GRACIOUS GOD, he hears my prayers.

Emebet says 4.24.2011, 2:13 p.m.

One year before I was lonely. Even when I am surrounded by more people, I was lonely but after I overcome this world, now I am with Christ and I love to be alone because I can speak to him well and I can listen to him and my life is beautiful. Always remember when you are alone that is a special time for Christ to talk with you. You will rejoice with Christ.

Ruth says 4.24.2011, 1:48 p.m.

We have been trained by society to avoid pain. Over-the-counter, immediate relief is what they say we need. We who are in Christ can bear the pain, cry in agony and draw near to God. We find that in Him all things are possible and to embrace with thankful hearts the pain that makes us strong in Him.

jacqueline says 4.23.2011, 10:39 p.m.

If you know Jesus, you never are alone He always will be with you He is alive! And if you visit a church, the people going to be your spiritual family!

darlene says 4.23.2011, 8:52 p.m.

Thank you for the message that reminds us of the real truth. God is with me so I am never really alone and I realize how important that is to share with others.

Cathy says 4.23.2011, 3:40 p.m.

I, too, am alone BUT the Lord is with me. To combat the earthly loneliness, I try to ask someone else to go out to eat with me or I ask them to my home. That way we are both blessed and it makes a special day for us. The Lord is good! I am active in Bible Study and Church and have made a ministry within the church. I am grateful I can reach out to others who are in a similar spot. God is good!

Kimberlee, BSW says 4.23.2011, 3:38 p.m.

If you can make it to a church and attend services over the weekend many times they serve a breakfast or dinner. Even just bring with others during that time will help you see that physicaly you are not alone. ry to get involved with something at the church. In helping others we do God's work. Soon each random act of kindness takes away your loneliness and brings happiness to others.

Bonnie says 4.23.2011, 1:03 p.m.

I am so thankful for my church family. I am single and a senior without any family here or really close friends but there is always my church family. My Sunday School teacher who is also single is having a Easter dinner at her home for all those without family and alone this Easter. I hope to attend even though there are many obstacles in the way for me at this time. For instance, in the process of moving, but don't know where God wants me-need prayer and a answer soon, please Lord-last day of my lease here is Sat, 4/30. A nurse missionary, Bonnie.

Anita says 4.23.2011, 12:52 a.m.

I have found it comforting to know that Jesus is not only my Father to me and my children, but also my husband, and friend. When I have feelings of loneliness it's nice to know that esus loves us so much, He will never leave us or abandon us.

CHRISTANAND says 4.23.2011, 10:01 a.m.

Jesus is always with us. If you are a member of a church, they are your spritual family. If you know God is with you then you are never alone. We can reach out to others that you think might be alone. I know it is very hard, my prayers and thoughts will be with you.

Wayne says 11.30.2010, 05:06 a.m.

Like one said most of my family has gone and now are walking with the Lord, My mother passed on two years ago. It was hard for me because I was the main caregiver to her. Every time I start missing her I just go to ( 1st thessalonians 4: 16-17 ) knowing one day I will be with them all again and face to face with God.

Regina says 11.29.2010, 9:19 p.m.

I am really alone, and I feel it a lot.

andrew says 11.28.2010, 2:52 p.m.

My brother abused me for 55 years I've been thru a lot of couseling, but my child has not healed. What is Gods purpose, I know to reach out to the lonely and hurting. Thank you more than you know. I'm weeping. Andrew

CJ says 11.28.2010, 1:12 p.m.

Yes, Jesus is with us all the time! My husband passed away suddenly in 1999. I miss him everyday, but I know he is in Heaven. I look forward to the day I will see him again. Look to Jesus as you source of strength as we know he is always there for us and will guide us every minute of the day! God will send people to help you and you will also find comfort in helping others. May God bless you richly. Be still, and know that I am God. Ps. 46:10

anonomous says 11.25.2010, 11:36 a.m.

Thank you God for the Love of a second family. Bless them for taking me in to their hearts and homes.

Dave says 11.24.2010, 4:32 p.m.

Jesus is always with us. If you are a member of a church the members are your spritual family.

Sleeta says 11.22.2010, 3:25 p.m.

Always know God is with you so we are never really alone. Reach out to others that you think might be alone also. I know it is very hard, my prayers and thoughts will be with you. God bless

Amber says 11.22.2010, 2:09 p.m.

Thank you for this response. I am 24 years old and I just lost my mom 4 months ago. She was the only family I have and as a result, should have been alone for the holidays. I am very grateful that God has put some awesome friends in my life. Thanks to different friends, I will be spending Thanksgiving with one family, and getting to spend Christmas with another. Both are large families and I cannot be more thankful. When you reach out and help a friend, you have no idea the impact and hope it brings to their life.

Jacqueline Swartz(Namibia) says 11.22.2010, 1:50 p.m.

Thank you for your beautiful message You are never alone. I know what it feels like. All I have left is my two sons. My husband and family passed away. Keep yourself busy and know God is there every minute of the day. God bless U xx