The Christmas season is usually filled with thoughts of family, friends, and being together. But I know that isn’t everyone’s experience. For some people, the holidays can be a lonely time, especially when life hasn’t turned out quite the way they expected. Sometimes people want to reach out but hesitate because they don’t want to bother anyone or feel like they’re imposing.
That’s part of what I was thinking about when I wrote Alone on Christmas Day. The song tells the story of a fictional man named Joe, who finds himself spending Christmas alone. He has memories of happier times, but his life has changed, and he isn’t quite sure what to do with the loneliness he’s feeling. As I imagined his story, I wanted to explore how a small prompting to do something for someone else could make a difference in his life.
One of the things I love about the Savior’s example is how often He noticed individuals and their needs. He reached out to people who were hurting, lonely, or overlooked. I believe that as we try to follow His example, even in small ways, we can feel closer to Him. Serving someone else doesn’t necessarily change our own circumstances, but it can change how we feel and help us recognize that we still have something to give.
I hope Joe’s story is a reminder that even when we’re going through difficult times ourselves, there may be opportunities to bring a little light into someone else’s life. And perhaps we can also be a little more aware of those around us who might be feeling alone. Sometimes a phone call, a visit, or a simple act of kindness can mean more than we realize.
Alone on Christmas Day
Alone on Christmas Day (feat. Braydon Rivers)
By Suzanne Hodson
VERSE 1
Joe used to have a family
But things had long since changed
Alone for every holiday
Full of memories, full of pain
He knew he should reach out
To others that he knew
But didn’t want to bother them
He felt they had so much to do
CHORUS 1
Alone in the quiet,
Alone in the dark
With thoughts of the Savior
Who’s life was also hard
Christ came to earth to show the way
And though alone on Christmas Day
Joe silently prayed, “Lord, please stay”
VERSE 2
He felt a little nudge
To walk outside His door
On this starry snowy night
He thought, “I could be doing more.”
Like stars up in the sky
No matter they’re alone
They shine for all and light the way
To lead the lost who roam
CHORUS 2
Stars glow in the quiet
Give light in the dark
Led wise men to the baby
That was one great star
Christ came to earth to show the way
And though alone on Christmas Day
Joe asked, “Lord, who could I help today?”
BRIDGE
A neighbor came to mind
He didn’t know them well
But a thought came to his mind
A task he knew he should fulfill
With shovel and salt
He walked down the street
Scraping up snow
And salting ice and sleet
CHORUS 3
Joe felt love in the quiet
Embraced in the dark
He thought of Baby Jesus
And gazed up at the stars
Christ was showing Him the way
And though still alone on Christmas Day
He felt he heard the Savior say
Thank you for serving Me today
Thank you for serving Me today