So, today, as we move toward Advent and begin to swing open the gates of the celebration season, be sure to listen in to the deep silences for the cries of the suffering! Those who suffer from the loneliness and pain of the time of year that it is! That alone is enough, but then top it with financial loss, inflation, rejection, abuse and loneliness, for whatever reason and it makes for a time of desperation for many.
The silence may be deafening and may well be the loudest cry that we hear through the busy noise of our busy days.
Philippians 2:4 can be a big reminder to us if we ponder the words of Paul who wrote to encourage the believers,
“Do not be concerned about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others.”
Yeah, Paul knew that to refresh a soul would indeed bring refreshment to the giver as he penned words of encouragement from behind prison bars. So as we approach the sweet and beautiful celebration of Advent, let’s listen deeply into the deepest recesses of our worlds for the voice that cries the loudest in silence. 
They may be the one with the arrogant actions, the most words, the biggest smile, and the most success, but if we listen with insightful ears we may hear a silent sadness in the heart of which they don’t dare speak, because the hurt is too real and the pain too great.
Hope and Healing In Hard Places 