Lonely this Christmas?
By: The Tribe Lagos
Tags: Christmas Gifts, Happy Christmas, Holiday Season, Joy, Christmas

Every year, I look forward to seeing Christmas ads or movies on TV because they are great at projecting the image of the perfect family holiday. They show us people having fun family dinners, sharing gifts, joy and laughter. You know, all that good stuff.

With how crazy year 2020 has been, it’s understandable that a lot of people (myself included) are hanging on their last thread waiting patiently for the holidays to begin so we can all have fun times with our love ones as depicted on the big screens.

But unfortunately, life can be a little different on the other side of the TV screen. With a full-blown pandemic, travel restrictions across countries and cities, a massive hike in travel costs and the general cost of everything essential to make the Christmas Holiday fun, many people will be forced to have a lonely Christmas by themselves.

Phew, I apologise for being the feared prophet of doom but stay with me, I have some good news.

This very thought takes me back to the very night Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem. That same night, a group of shepherds were separated from their families, their neighbours, friends and missing the buzz and bustle of an exciting holiday — The Passover, because they had to work.

Far into the city, they could hear the festive songs, see the bright lights, and perhaps occasionally perceive the smell of fresh, festive meals rise from the city walls but they could not partake in the festivities.

God knew this, and it was vital that he broke the most important news ever to the ones who were already missing out, who were lonely on the day of our Lord’s birth, the lowly and forgotten. It was no accident that the angels looked over the city and decided to deliver such great news to these shepherds;

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” — Luke 2:8 — 12

This is God’s speciality, looking out, seeking and tending to the lost, the forgotten, the lonely and brokenhearted.

This was the very purpose of Christ’s coming and it was no surprise that He, Christ echoed this ultimate purpose some 30 years later saying:

“Behold the Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour — Luke 4:18 — 19

I know this year, this Christmas may not feel like the ideal joyful and delightful holiday full of love and light, carols and good meals, hugs and laughter but try to remember what the season is really about.

Right there in the lonely corner of your room is the most outstanding company, Jesus. The most excellent lover of all time and thankfully, not just this season but forever — Emmanuel, the never-distant God, Christ the Prince of Peace is forever near.

While your feelings of loneliness are valid, don’t forget that you can share your thoughts and feelings with a God that listens and understands. Most importantly, find joy in the warmth of Jesus, the reason for this season, friend, brother and closest company to the lonely.

Merry Christmas in advance.

Written by Makuochi Okafor, a content writer in Lagos, Nigeria.