A Joyful Single Christmas

[Jesus said,] “I am not alone because the Father is with me.”

John 16:32

Beverly has discovered that being alone on Christmas Day doesn’t have to be lonely. With so many good people willing to share the day, she usually has an invitation to go somewhere. As a guest, though, she also realizes that families enjoy being alone for at least part of the morning to open their presents, so she usually declines going until noon. That means she has the morning to herself while her friends have their “family time” together. So she has devised a plan that never fails to give her much joy and beauty on Christmas morning, even though she’s spending it by herself. First she sets aside a special time for breakfast, devotions, and reading her Bible. She remembers that just as Jesus was never alone, even though he spent time in the wilderness or all night praying, she is never alone. Fellowship with the Lord fills her to the brim.

Beverly spends the rest of the time reading her Christmas cards, which she saves for the entire month just for Christmas morning. She savors every personal note, photo, and verse on the cards that come from around the country and overseas. Sometimes it takes her two hours to read all the cards, and she certainly can’t be lonely with so many good wishes.

This wise woman has found there’s just no sense worrying about what she doesn’t have when she really has so much! By the time she finishes with the cards, she is in a cheerful mood and is hurrying to get ready to entertain and be entertained on this blessed holiday, her arms full of gifts to give, and her heart full of joy.

—CHERI

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that because of your coming to earth and giving your life, I am never alone, never forsaken, never without the fellowship of your Spirit.

I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses. —TAYLOR CALDWELL (1900–1985), ENGLISH NOVELIST

From the book