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 In the stillness of the night his voice echoed off
the doors and shuttered windows. He realized he wasn’t alone as
another voice joined with him. Together they walked through the
death-stricken streets singing of the love of God which had become
flesh in Jesus.
We don’t like to think about Christmas in this way but the truth is
loneliness and Christmas are connected – actually they have always
been connected. When the angel appeared to Mary and announced she
would, by the Holy Spirit’s power, conceive a child, Mary struggled
with loneliness. Who could she talk to? Who would believe her? What
friend could she trust with this defaming information?
Even the stable where Jesus was born would have been a cold and
lonely place for a carpenter, his bride, and their newborn child on
that first Christmas night. A stable with all its crude sights,
animal smells, and unsanitary surroundings is not the place to give
birth to a child. It would have been lonely there without family to
pray, to supervise, to offer advice, to hold her hand.
Even today, loneliness and Christmas are connected. Go to a nursing
home and you will find loneliness. “Will my daughter visit?” “Will
my son call?” Go to hospitals and you will find loneliness there
too.
Now I know what I am saying is discouraging but many people during
this time of year struggle with loneliness. Many people (especially
at Christmas) feel unloved, or forgotten by God. Many will cry this
Christmas because they had to say good-bye to a parent, or spouse,
or maybe even a child. Many will weep as they decorate their tree or
hang lights – if they are even able to bring themselves to do it
this year.
As Christmas approaches all the tinsels, trees, packages, parties,
and presents, cannot overcome loneliness. Advertisers say the true
meaning of Christmas is giving, but the
terrible-time-consuming-crowd-fighting struggle to find the right
gift sends the spirit of sharing into a tailspin.
I get it – all of this is sad and depressing but
there is good news – God’s Son changed all of this into joy 2,000
years ago. You may find it difficult to believe that but it is true
– God’s good news is that Jesus is born for you.
You feel like you are forgotten? Know this – God
has not forgotten you. Unfortunately, Christmas time might bring
with it arguments and animosities, but it is the baby born in
Bethlehem who can unite.
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Do you have misunderstandings from the past and
misgivings about the future? Remember, Jesus is always with you and
because of that fact, nothing in all of creation, not even
loneliness, can separate you from His love.
Now you might still wonder, “If all this is really true then why
do I still feel so lonely?” To your honest question I offer this
honest answer – even though Jesus died to save you, Satan is working
hard to keep you isolated from the Savior and the blessings His
birth brought and brings.
Each and every day Satan works hard to keep you isolated and alone.
Every day he will create and construct problems and pains, which
will keep you from the comfort and companionship of Christ. Yet, to
those who will look with eyes of faith into the stable and hear the
promise of the angel’s words, rejoicing can take place “…I bring
you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in
the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah,
the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
Are you struggling with loneliness? Are you convinced that you are
unloved? Hear the Christmas message: “Jesus’ entire life was spent
proving God not only loves you, but He wants to forgive you and
bring you into His family of faith.” Jesus is born for you. There is
no place you can go where He will not be. Jesus is born for you.
There is no sin you can commit that He will not forgive. Jesus is
born for you. There is no grief you will ever experience which He
cannot comfort. Jesus is born for you – God’s gift of Jesus frees
your heart to sing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on
earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
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