Lonely at Christmas

From the very beginnings of His earthly life, Jesus demonstrated His solidarity with the outcasts, the poor and needy and afflicted.

He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the body of a young woman betrothed to a young man. No doubt Mary and Joseph had to endure much speculation, gossip and slander regarding her pregnancy and Jesus’ paternity.

Jesus was born in a stable, a lowly shack or cave. His first visitors were shepherds, regarded as one of the most menial jobs of the time.

Jesus was a refugee in Egypt.

He ministered to everyone, including those that society despised.

Throughout His earthly life, Jesus was beloved and believed in by many, but was also rejected, especially by the religious leaders of the day, the ones who should have been most able to recognise their anticipated Messiah.

Jesus was betrayed by one who should have been a close friend.

He was abandoned by many others who should have stood by Him and acknowledged Him.

He endured lies, mocking, slander, mental anguish and physical torture.

“God madeHim who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

On the cross, Jesus even felt abandoned by His Father God.

Yet He rose again, triumphantly, claiming the keys of death and hell and dominion over every evil force of darkness that can plague this world. He reigns in Heaven with His Father God and will return again to cleanse this world from its ever increasing ugliness of sin and will reign forever in His kingdom. Praise God.

If you are alone and feeling lonely this Christmas, remember that Christ has experienced all that you are feeling, and much more. He understands. He has said in His word, the Bible

“whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37)

and “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

and “"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”(Jeremiah 31:3)

and “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Dear Heavenly Father, at Christmas time I come to You giving thanks for the wonderful and precious gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who was born in a lowly stable and lived in poor and simple conditions before dying on the cross to honour You and to make a way for us to be in right relationship with You, through repentance and faith in Jesus. Thank You Father that Jesus rose again and reigns in heaven.  Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who remains in this world and indwells our hearts to comfort and counsel us. Father I pray that all who feel lonely this Christmas will know Your presence in their lives in a new and real way and will turn to You in repentance and faith. I pray for Christian witnesses and friends to encourage and support them. Be with the sick and grieving and lost we pray. We ask these things in the precious name of Jesus. Amen