Loneliness at Christmas: A Season for Compassion & Connection

Even then, I am sure tongues were wagging, and fingers were pointing as cruel words were slung in her direction. And the loneliness did not end there. As Mary’s pregnancy progressed, there was an announcement made by Caesar Augustus that everyone had to return to the city of their birth to be counted and taxed. Try to picture Mary, who was about to deliver, traveling 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem—the distance from Lewistown to Lancaster. She had to be exhausted when they finally arrived. Yet once again, she and Joseph found themselves alone. No matter where they searched, there was nowhere for them to stay. Instead of a cradle, their newborn son was placed in a feeding trough intended for animals.

To further prove that in this story the alone and lonely are seen and recognized, who did the angels visit first to announce the birth of the Messiah? The shepherds. Shepherds spent most of their time alone, guarding the sheep. It certainly was a solitary life with little interaction with others, and this is who God decided to send a large group of angels to—to announce the arrival of the Christ child. He could have chosen kings and noblemen, but he didn’t. I believe this further illustrates that God has a special place in his heart for the lonely and heartbroken, and so should we.

Although none of us may have experienced exactly the type of loneliness and isolation that Mary and Joseph endured, we all carry our own hurts and frustrations. Perhaps this is your first Christmas without a loved one due to death, divorce, or distance. Even though, on the surface, it appears we are more “connected” than ever with social media, cell phones, and computers, we have far fewer meaningful connections. My challenge to you, as well as to myself, is to make a conscious effort to build those meaningful connections this Christmas season. Quit hiding behind your manufactured facades and do your best to gently strip away those of your family and friends.

May this Christmas be one of true connection and healing—where the lonely find companionship, the hurting find comfort, and we all find the deeper meaning of the season.

A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Rhonda S. Kelley, Executive Director, Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce