The very season that gives “tidings of comfort and joy” for many can also be a time of deep sorrow for others. This joyful season can be difficult for someone who has recently lost a loved one to death or through the pain of divorce. Even a person who has suffered strained or broken relationships in a family feud most likely will feel magnified sorrow during this typical family-gathering time at Christmas. Empty chairs at the table, stockings missing from the hearth, and enhanced memories of bygone happy days can be extremely sorrowful for the bereaved and forsaken.

It is incumbent upon all of God’s children to remember that when our Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He came to bring light to those who sit in darkness and joy to the afflicted. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the day when the “Light of the World” would dawn upon a world waiting in darkness. “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isaiah 9:2). In Isaiah 60:2, Isaiah later testified, “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.”

When the angel appeared to the bewildered shepherds, he proclaimed, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11). It is important to recognize that these “good tidings of great joy” are indeed for “all people,” including those who “walk in darkness” due to sorrow or pain.

Care for the Widow or Widower

Are there widows in your church or extended family? What are some ways that you might be able to bring them some Christmas cheer? One idea may be to invite a widow over for a meal at your home. Another suggestion might be to wrap a special Christmas present to give her.

It may be that this lady does not have the opportunity to enjoy special Christmas gatherings as she once did. Engage her in conversation. Tactfully, allow her to speak of her deceased husband, if she wants to do so. Ask her, perhaps during a meal, if she would be willing to share some of her special Christmas memories. These memories might call to mind happier days that will bring her comfort and cheer through the entire season.

Widowers also have similar griefs. The wife who brought Christmas cheer to his home is no longer there. Consider inviting a widower over to enjoy a meal with you. Perhaps while inviting him, you could ask him what dish he enjoyed his wife preparing for him. There is no necessity to attempt to duplicate her recipe! However, maybe you and your family could serve a similar dish that would bring a happy memory to mind and a smile to his face.

Some families regularly set aside a day to bake, prepare, and deliver Christmas cookies or other treats to widows and widowers in their community. Endeavoring to bring cheer to others, these families often find that they themselves receive a blessing.

Comfort for the Forsaken

Those who have experienced divorce may be especially prone to depression at Christmastime. Empty chairs leave a painful void that brings hurt to all. If you know someone in this condition, seek God’s wisdom as you consider how you might bring comfort to that person.

Children are often shuffled back and forth between two divided parents. Perhaps you can offer to take such forsaken children on a Christmas outing, like sledding or building a snowman. Maybe you could invite the family to your home to experience making new Christmas season memories in a neutral location.

At a time of year when hearts are tender, it may be worthwhile to endeavor to bring about restoration, if possible. Regret and genuine contrition may make Christmastime a season when divorced parents might be willing to consider reconciliation. As the Lord leads, be alert to opportunities to speak a word of encouragement or gentle exhortation to nudge the husband or wife to consider God’s will regarding marriage. As you speak or act as God directs, you join Him in doing His work to bring light to those who are bereaved or grieving.