They say that loneliness is the biggest social ill of our time and it would seem that this has been highlighted again by a survey carried out by BBC Radio 5 Live this past week which found that some 28% of British adults feel lonely at some time.
Furthermore, the poll, of 2,000 people, indicated that 7% of all adults and 10% of those aged over 65 expect to spend Christmas mostly on their own.
For many people Christmas is a happy time, but for others it can be one of the hardest times of the year. It may remind them of a loved one who has died, or some other sad loss that they have been through which has accentuated their sense of loneliness. Yet, Christmas is about undoing loneliness. Its essential message is that Immanuel has come, and God is with us. The message of Christmas is that none of us is alone.
The birth of Jesus is set in history. ‘They will call His name Immanuel!’ To be called, according to Hebraic understanding, means that the person spoken of will in reality be what he is called and actually fulfil that title. Thus the name Immanuel points to the nature of the One who bears the name. He is God incarnate – God coming into human flesh – and dwells by His Spirit in the hearts of His people.
Jesus Christ – God’s Son – God with us. This should bring us comfort and joy to know He will never leave His own. He knows the frailty of our humanity, the weakness, the pain and the shame of being human because He became one with us.
There’s a beautiful song which says:
I'm alone, yet not alone.
God's the light that will guide me home.
With His love and tenderness,
Leading through the wilderness,
And wherever I may roam,
I'm alone, yet not alone.
Let’s reflect this Advent on how God is with you, and let the wonderful word Immanuel come alive in your spirit as you contemplate the true meaning of Christmas.
Thank You God for sending Jesus. Thank You Jesus that You came. Holy Spirit, please come and teach us more about that lovely name - Immanuel. Amen.
God bless
Captain Clare