Christmas Alone

Bear near me. Lord Jesus! I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

Tears streamed down my face as I watched Kathryn Koob, American hostage in Iran, sing that third stanza of Away in a Manger over world-wide television. It was Christmas, 1980, and she wanted to assure her loved ones she was leaning on God to help her endure an unjust imprisonment, which included solitary confinement.

In the midst of a cruel and confused world, this woman directed viewers to the Living Christ who protects and comforts us in our sorrow. Her Christmas worship consisted of forming a cross out of a silver gum wrapper and reciting the entire second chapter of Luke. She had memorized it as a child. What a witness!

Are you alone this Christmas, removed from family and friends? Are worry and anxiety your constant companions? Are you fearful about relationships or finances or health? Let Jesus fill your heart with his divine love and concern. He knows your loneliness for he, too, was alone. He knows your pain, for he also hurt.

Lift your spirits by praising God for his goodness. Lift up your hands and sing out loud to him a favorite chorus of praise. Thank him for everything you can imagine. Focus on how great he is and how much he loves you.

Don't host a pity-party for yourself. Recognize that sometimes even the noisiest holiday hoopla covers up dissension, despair, and estrangement. Let Jesus comfort you and care for you, so you can care for others.

Pray for yourself that God will be very close to you this Christmastime. Have a blessed celebration whether you're alone or with loved ones.

Home of Mike & Lorraine Eyer, Glendale, AZ       (photo courtesy Lorraine Eyer - Construction Mike Eyer)