“The Word became flesh and made His home among us. (John 1:14)

How many of you realize that there is an epidemic of loneliness in our culture right now? It’s true. The surgeon general has recently declared that loneliness is an epidemic. He called it insufficient connection, which causes a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease, a 32 percent increased risk of stroke, and a 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Loneliness increases the risk of premature death by more than 60 percent.

This loneliness epidemic is hitting young people ages 15 to 24 especially hard. This particular age group reported a 70 percent drop in time spent with friends. Christmas reveals the way God would have us address loneliness—Christmas PRESENT. You see, Jesus came that first Christmas and bore the name Immanuel, which means “God with us”.

In His great love for us, God sent Jesus to be with us in our loneliness. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made His home among us.” This is truly the great Christmas PRESENCE. Jesus’ love fills you so that you might be that same Christmas PRESENCE to the loneliness around you. Having rescued the world from loneliness, we get the opportunity to be a part of his great Christmas PRESENCE in the lives of others.

So consider the shoppers around you this holiday season—the neighbors who live near and those who work in your business. Be a part of the Christmas PRESENCE this year.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You that You chose to be with us. You are Immanuel. What an incredible God You are that You love us close and personal, not far and distant.

Would You help us this Christmas to see those who also may be struggling and alone? And would You help us to be that Christmas presence to them? In Jesus’ name. Amen.