The holiday season paints our social media feeds with warm gatherings and joyful celebrations. But for every photo of a perfect family dinner, there’s someone scrolling alone, carrying wounds that the holidays only deepen.

As gracious believers, we have a unique opportunity to reach people in their quiet moments of pain. That single mother dreading questions about her absent ex-husband. The adult child estranged from toxic parents. The grieving heart facing their first Christmas without someone they loved. These aren’t hypothetical scenarios but are real people with hard stories and very heavy hearts.

Jesus consistently sought out those on the margins while others celebrated. He understood that pain doesn’t take holidays off and can actually be heightened by what someone may be missing. Our presence and online interactions during this season should reflect that same compassionate awareness.

Think about the most practical ways you can meet someone in the shadows and minister to them. It may start by simply acknowledging that holidays aren’t happy for everyone. A simple comment validating this reality can be profoundly comforting to someone who feels invisible in their struggle. Share that it’s okay not to be okay, even during “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Look to create safe spaces for honest conversation.  Whether that is online or in person, we need to let others know their story matters, and they are welcome to share it if they desire. Ask open-ended questions that give permission for vulnerability such as “How are you really doing this season?”

Watch for comments that hint at isolation or pain and respond with genuine care.  Bible truth is always powerful but sometimes authentic human connection is what ministers most. Let your presence and genuine concern be what points to Christ’s love.

You can also share your own story if you’ve walked through difficult holidays. The enemy wants to isolate and make those hurting feel alone. Similar and authentic experiences dismantle the facade that Christians have perfect lives and makes the gospel more accessible to hurting people.

Remember that for someone in deep emotional pain, their online conversation might be their only human contact that day. Your attitude, message, and willingness to simply listen could be the thread keeping them connected to hope.

The Light of the World came for broken people in dark places. This season, let your presence shine brightest not where everyone’s celebrating, but where someone’s barely surviving. That’s where evangelism becomes transformational. When God’s love takes on flesh through you to meet someone in their loneliest moment with the one true source of hope.