The Reason for the Season
Loneliness is less about being physically alone than having thoughts one cannot share. When the sky has fallen, or you feel as though the earth has given way beneath your feet, a grand Christmas celebration filled with laughter, gifts, food, and fun can magnify one’s sense of isolation. One may be drawn to pull away rather than wear a mask.
Perhaps you’ve lost a loved one or a marriage. Maybe it’s your first Christmas without your kids. Whether you’re grieving loss, guilt, or shame, one’s own family celebration can leave you feeling isolated. You can’t talk about it because you don’t want to steal everyone else’s joy, yet the despair within you is clawing to get out.
We, Christians, like to proclaim that, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Though perhaps that sentiment is less Biblical than we think. Jesus came into our world in a tiny manger in Bethlehem without trees, decorations, or feasts. His purpose was not to create traditions, but to bring hope.
Jesus called a despised tax collector to be a disciple.
He invited a wealthy, self-centered little man to come down from his tree.
He knelt before a woman being shamed by those proud of their own compassion & faith.
He stopped a funeral procession to comfort a distraught mother.
He paused while walking through a crowd to help a woman snubbed for something beyond her control.
He wept with Mary & Martha after they lost their brother.
Christmas is a celebration of the arrival of the Son of God. But he didn’t come simply to create a worldwide family event. He came for desperate, hurting, lonely people.
If you’re struggling to engage this Christmas, if the weight of your loss or burden feels too great to carry, know this:
YOU ARE THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!
Jesus came for you.
He is Emmanuel, God with you.
God is with you!
You are not alone!
He loves you far more than you know.
With an awareness of his presence comes his peace to silence anxiety, his grace to quell your anger, his hope to overcome your despair, his strength to carry the weight, and his love to fill the void. All of this is only a prayer away.
Take a few deep breathes.
Read & reflect on Isaiah 9:6-7 & Matthew 11:28-30
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Ask the King of Kings to reveal himself to you today.
He keeps his promises.
Ask him to carry your weight.
Then, don’t withdraw from loved ones when you most need them. Find one person with whom you can talk about your struggle without an attempt to fix or advise. If they’ll just be attentive and listen, you can stop the spiraling repetitive thoughts and relax. Then lean into the festivities, for joy is less about one’s circumstances than the source of our confidence.
If it’s time to join your family and friends and your feet feel like they’re stuck in marsh mud, or if you’ve no place to go, respond to this email and send me your number. I’d be honored to pray with you.
Merry Christmas!
John