The trek the Church has been traveling for the last four weeks will come to a climax in three days when even those outside the ecclesia celebrate Christmas.  For Christians, this is the day that we commemorate the birth of Jesus — when God decided to enter the human drama definitively as one of us.

The journey just referenced (i.e., Advent) is one during which we reflect upon the hope, peace, joy, and love that the Christ child brought to humanity over two millennia ago and which the eschatological Jesus will usher in at the end of time when he returns to “make all things new” (Rev. 21:5).

For some people, though, this is not a festive time.  The Yuletide reminds them, as does the empty chair around the dinner table and the stocking that is no longer filled, of the loved one who passed away.  For others, the recent cancer diagnosis or the break-up of a relationship weighs heavy on their hearts.  They identify more with Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch than festive carolers or those nestled in their beds with visions of sugar plums filling their dreams.

The birth of Jesus marks time.  We distinguish years based on when he was born.  But the Christ event is far more significant than determining whether it is BC or AD.  For us to receive the redemption that Good Friday offers, the One who is to deliver us from sin and death can only be God.  The name given to Jesus, as declared in Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23, is Immanuel, which means “God with us.”  Through the Incarnation, God became human to experience life as we know it.

If you find this season to be void of the hope, peace, joy, and love that the Church liturgizes throughout Advent — the four weeks prior to December 25 — realize that you are not alone.  Yes, others find this season difficult, too, but more importantly, you are accompanied through this trying time by Jesus himself.

The Incarnation reminds us that God suffered as well — and God continues to suffer as he helps us bear our burdens.  Our God is the crucified God: the One who felt the pain of betrayal, a mock trial, scourging, and crucifixion.  Our God made manifest in Jesus, also felt utterly alone.

Remember that this Christmas, my friends.  If you feel dejected during this jubilant time of year, you are not alone.  I do not mean that others find this season difficult, too, even though that is true.  I mean that God knows the pain that comes with being human.

Furthermore, God has something greater in store for you than what you are experiencing now.  We need to read the entirety of Jesus’ story.  God will lead you from Bethlehem’s manger to Jerusalem’s empty tomb.  Our God is a God of love — and he came to us in the flesh so that we may have life, “and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

May these promises usher you into Christmas and bless you and yours in the coming year.