From the Prayer Journal of Fr. Jack Tolley

There are many lonely people at holidays like Christmas. The causes of this loneliness are numerous and very painful for them. Some experts say loneliness is epidemic in our country year round, and the cause of suicides.
Maybe you know some of these persons. Perhaps you can bring the light of Christ into their lives
to brighten their dark days and let them know they are not alone.
Blessings, love, and hugs, Fr. Jack.

1 Thessalonians 4:13. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and  sisters,
about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

It hurts to lose a loved one, and every major loss brings pain.  The hurt can be worse at a special time like an anniversary or birthday, or a season when family friends have come together to  celebrate. We may feel raw and emptied out when everyone else seems happy. We have to grieve our losses to heal. Paul never says anything against grieving. It's natural and necessary. But he reminds us that  Christians share the life of Christ. We don't grieve without hope.  Christ walks with us into the darkness of our grief and brings light into our times of loss.  This Advent we look for the light of Christ who brightens the darkest days. We look for the hope that drives out despair. The light of Christ is dawning to enter our world. His light reveals a  new horizon of peace and shows we're never alone.
 
Forward Day by Day, Dec. 6, 2014, Robert Boak Slocum 
Episcopal Priest and Professor at St. Catharine College in Kentucky