Beyond Sunday - Let it Be Christmas: All the lonely people

...by Jeff Sanford

Everyone experiences loneliness at some point in life. Some experience it because of the loss of a loved one. Some experience it as a result of a move, or a misunderstanding, or even because of guilt or shame. Some experience it simply because their peers have rejected them. Whatever the case may be, feelings of isolation during the Christmas season are a common occurrence.

Listen to how Isaiah describes Jesus in chapter 53:

“…He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not...But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him...”

This section of Scripture really paints a picture of Jesus’ experience here on earth and demonstrates how Christ can provide us with hope. Scripture says that Jesus was a man of sorrows and that men rejected and despised Him. In fact, the religious leaders were out to get Him and eventually crucified Him. Jesus understands loneliness. Jesus experienced the ultimate isolation on the cross, as He was punished for our sin. But God did not forsake Him, for He was raised from the grave, and it is by the wounds of the Savior that we are healed.

So in this Christmas season when many experience loneliness, there is good news of great joy that shall be for ALL people. A Savior is born and that Savior will be called Immanuel, which means God with us. Did you get that? God is with us…even in our loneliness. The same God who is “close to the brokenhearted” and who “saves those who are crushed in spirit.” The same God who “comforts us in all our troubles.” The same God who “sticks closer than a brother.” The same God who knows the depths of hearts and loves us the same.

During the holiday season, I urge you to trust in the promises of God’s Word. Trust that as you pursue Christ, that He is also drawing near to you. Trust that Christ knows everything about you and still chooses to love you. As a part of the body of Christ, during this season, won’t you listen for those who may show signs of loneliness and make an extra effort to reach out to them, to let them feel the unconditional love of God.