Advent Reflection

Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year for many, but for others, it’s the worst time of the year. It seems like everybody has somebody—except you. All the parties, church services, family activities, and you return to an empty home.

It can also be a time of mourning lost relationships. Whether it’s through the brokenness of sin or death, it hurts to remember. The last place you want to be is alone.

The message of Christmas is the cure. It’s not found in the trappings but in the heart of God's message to us: Christ has come to us in a way no one else could (incarnation). And he came to restore us in a way no one else could (salvation). Although Jesus didn’t come primarily to heal us of loneliness, his salvation is a guarantee that we will always have a home that will be full. That should be most evident in the body of Christ. This family should be a reflection of his love that knits us all together.

This concern for others should not be limited to the Christmas season, but we should be even more sensitive to the pain of the lonely among us. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9).

Tenth Highlight

Now that the Christmas season is upon us, let’s plan now to invite a neighbor or friend to one of the many opportunities for celebration that Tenth provides. From small parties to formal worship services, there truly is something for everyone. Join me in praying that the Lord would use this season and us to see others come to worship Emmanuel.