CHRISTMAS COULD BE SAD AND LONELY, EXCEPT . . .
In just a few days, families throughout the country and across the world will joyfully celebrate Christmas. But for my husband and me and many others – even people you may know – Christmas could be a sad and lonely day.
Our children will not be home. Most of our close family members have passed on or moved away in recent years. And many of the traditions and trimmings of the season only serve as reminders of our lost or missing loved ones.
We thank God for our local church family. Without them, we truly would be alone, except for One. The One who never leaves or forsakes us. The One who humbled Himself, taking on human flesh in the miracle of the Incarnation. Jesus, the immortal Creator, who clothed Himself in mortality for you and me.
This is the wonder of Christmas, that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, so that all who believe in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.
In the carol we sing, “God and sinners reconciled,” but do we realize what an amazing truth that represents? Jesus made the great exchange – He took our wickedness upon Himself, suffered our just punishment, and now imparts His own righteousness to all who believe and follow Him.
Because Jesus willingly shed His blood for our sins and transgressions, God has stamped the bill for the debt we could never pay, “Paid in Full.”
The bright lights, ornaments, gifts, and other trappings of the Christmas season pale to nothing in comparison with this: Emmanuel, God with us!
As believers, even if we are alone, we constantly have Jesus. And we can remember good times with our loved ones and look forward to a glad reunion in heaven.
For those who don’t believe or have never heard, wouldn’t Christmas be an appropriate time to give them the best gift of all? Tell them the great news the angels told the shepherds. “For unto you a Savior has been born, who is Christ, the Lord.”
No one need ever spend Christmas alone. With Jesus in their hearts, no matter how lonely they may feel, they will never be alone again. Even though this is true, please reach out to those who will be alone this year. This is a tough time for so many. Let’s demonstrate the love of Jesus in tangible ways.
As for my husband and me, although we could mope and feel lonely, we have chosen joy. How could we do otherwise when God has given us such an incredible gift?
“Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel” has come to you and me!
May you have a blessed Christmas!
© Jeanne Gowen Dennis
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