Most Christmas movies depict the holidays as a time of joy, where people find true love or discover what really matters in life. We seldom see the raw emotions of grief or loneliness some people experience during this season.

Of course, it isn’t just Hollywood glossing over these realities. Few pastors kick off their Christmas sermon series with a message on depression. Nevertheless, this merry season is a difficult time for some. Images of perfect family gatherings can magnify feelings of grief, loss and loneliness.

Although Christmas is a reminder of our Savior’s birth — and there is much to celebrate — some of our own team members may be struggling to find joy. We must be aware of the feelings of those around us and lead in a way that can help others find peace and comfort in what may be a challenging season for them.

Here are four ways to help staff members who are dealing with grief or loneliness:

1. Be mindful of their feelings. I experienced loss at a young age when my father passed away from a heart attack. A few years later, my sister and brother-in-law died in a car accident. I went through dark times and had to learn to trust God in those moments.

For those who have lost loved ones, the holiday season can be a difficult reminder of family and friends who aren’t with us to share in our celebrations.

As leaders, we need to approach each situation with grace. We can’t be so focused on the tasks of the day or our busy schedules that we become oblivious to the needs of those around us. Scripture says, “Be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble” (1 Peter 3:8).

Images of perfect family gatherings
can magnify feelings
of grief, loss, and loneliness.

2. Help them navigate workloads. There may be some individuals on your team who take on extra work to avoid having to face their emotions. Others may feel overwhelmed with the tasks they already have. Anxiety and sadness can make it difficult to focus.

During this busy and sometimes stressful time, help team members manage their workloads in a healthy way. Let them know which deadlines are priorities and which projects can wait until the new year.

While work can be a useful distraction, it shouldn’t consume our lives. Encourage team members to take breaks and let the Holy Spirit minister to them during this season even as they minister to others. Check in on those who are grieving or walking through a difficult time.

3. Surround them in prayer and encouragement. On my drive to work, I pray for each member of my team and every person I will encounter that day. My prayer is that others would see Jesus in me. I know there are individuals on my team who are dealing with mixed emotions during this season, and I want to be sensitive to that.

No one should walk through grief alone. Just being there for someone who is having a difficult time can make a big difference. We serve a God who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). As His people, we are called to imitate Him and comfort the hurting. We shouldn’t be afraid to offer to pray for those who are struggling.

4. Remind them that God is our source of comfort. God is the ultimate comforter in moments of brokenness. In 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, Paul wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

God wants to use us to minister to others and help them find hope and strength in Him. If someone is dealing with depression, encourage him or her to seek the help of a Christian counselor or mental health professional as well.

As we head into the final weeks of the year, may we lead others in a way that demonstrates God’s love. I’ve learned that in the moments of our biggest struggles, God is near. This Christmas season, there may be individuals on our team who need a reminder that God is with them and for them.