It is not uncommon for some people to feel lonely during Christmastime. In a season of merry making and enjoyment, some people feel down maybe because of separation with their loved ones when everyone is supposed to be together. Some feel alone even amidst the presence of others because of depression and anxiety. Some feel down because of having poor health during an otherwise activity-filled season; While others are eaten up by stress and financial woes in relation to the customs of celebrating Christmas.
But if we take a closer look at our lives, the loneliness, the struggle, and the grief that hounds us in the most wonderful season of the year are usually rooted to sin. We try to keep up with expectations of other people to protect our pride; focus on life updates of other people and feel all the more lonely; covet another person’s lifestyle; and forget that we have a sovereign God who is in control of everything.
But Christmas should remind us that there is a Way out of all our miseries – Jesus. He offers himself as propitiation for our sins so you could be right with God once again and lead a new life, devoid of guilt and shame.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
And when we have accepted His gift of salvation, we can finally shed our former selves who get lonely during the holidays. We will not get pressured anymore to keep up with what others have, do, and give to celebrate Christmas. We will no longer be depressed because of other people because our happiness no longer depends on others but in our relationship with Christ. We will no longer feel bad about our state of health nor finances, because we know that in the end all things work for the good of those who love God.
That after years upon years of celebrating Christmas for the wrong reasons, we finally know the meaning and the real reason for the season.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
And while enjoying God’s gift of salvation does not make us sinless and perfect, Jesus’ presence assures us that even if we falter we can count on Him to cleanse us, and reconnect us with the Lord
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
And when we feel like everything is on our shoulders, His birth should remind us that He is offering to take the burden away from us and it will all be on His shoulders. Just as He carried the cross, He was born to carry the weight of the world on His shoulders.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
And as the passage above suggests, you can count on Him to be your counselor, adviser and guide. As a mighty God, you can count on the Lord of Hosts to be your source of protection. As our Everlasting Father, we can count on Him for mercy, care, and provision. As Prince of Peace, we can count on Him to cuddle up our hearts, and protect our fragile souls when the inevitable storms of life come for us head on.
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” Psalm 103:17-18
Yes, Christmas is a time for gifts and get-togethers, but we should never forget its true meaning. That Jesus came to save us from the perils of sin, so that we could live the truly abundant life that only the Lord can offer.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Romans 8:35-39 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you really celebrate Christmas for the right reasons?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to save us from our sinfulness and reconcile us with you. Help me celebrate this season for the right reasons so that Your joy and Your peace will reign in my family. Amen.
