The holidays are supposed to bring a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness, but for those who are separated or divorced, the season often feels quiet, cold, and painfully lonely.
You might find yourself watching families gather, couples walk hand in hand, or friends share festive moments, and feel a hollow ache inside. The empty seat at the table, the silence in your home, or the absence of someone who once shared these moments with you can make even the brightest holiday lights feel dim.
If this is where you are right now, take heart: you’re not alone, and you’re not without hope.
Faith doesn’t erase loneliness
You may be wondering what role God plays in your pain. You might even be asking:
- Where is God in all of this?
- Does He see me?
- Why does this hurt so much if I believe in Him?
These are real, honest questions, and God welcomes them.
Faith isn’t a magic switch that removes the pain. It does offer a path through it. When you feel abandoned or overwhelmed, faith reminds you that there’s someone who is still with you—right in the middle of your loneliness.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble,” (Psalm 46:1).
What “God with us” really means
One of the names of Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us.” That’s not just a beautiful Christmas lyric, it’s a life-changing promise.
Even when:
- You cry yourself to sleep at night
- You watch your kids open gifts without their other parent
- You’re unsure how to fill the long, quiet hours of the holidays
God stays near. He doesn’t wait for you to “pull it together” or pretend everything’s fine. He meets you right where you are—with love, compassion, and comfort.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” (Psalm 34:18).
Simple ways to connect with God this season
You don’t need to muster up grand gestures of faith. Start small. Here are a few ways people have found comfort in God during lonely holidays:
- Read one psalm a day. Let the raw honesty of Scripture remind you that others have felt abandoned—and found God faithful.
- Talk to God like a friend. You don’t have to use fancy words. Just be honest. “God, I feel so alone. Please be near me.”
- Light a candle at night, as a reminder that His light still shines in the darkness.
- Listen to worship music. Let truth and beauty wash over your mind and heart.
Monica, a DivorceCare participant, remembers her first Christmas after divorce:
“It was hard to see families around Christmastime. It magnified the fact that I was alone. But when I stopped trying to fix everything and just sat with God, I felt His peace in ways I didn’t expect.”
That’s the beauty of faith. Even when life is falling apart, God remains steady.
Find people who understand
If you’re struggling this season, you don’t have to go through it alone. DivorceCare can help you during moments like these.
Each week, you’ll gather with others who are also navigating separation or divorce.
You’ll find understanding, practical help, and reminders of God’s love—even when life feels anything but normal.
Find a DivorceCare group near you.
A quiet season can still hold sacred hope
You may not have the loud joy of past holidays, but that doesn’t mean this season is meaningless.
Faith reminds us that even the smallest flicker of light matters. God draws near to the brokenhearted, and these challenging moments won’t be the end of your story.
Your holidays may feel lonely, but you’re not alone.
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