Column by Bro. Terry Ivy
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Most of us have been forced to say goodbye to loved ones as they travel back to their homes after the Christmas visit. The pretty ribbons and wrapping paper that once created a beautiful scene under the Christmas tree are now disposed of like trash thrown from a car. Isn’t it strange how a few hours can change our perception?
Our kitchens and living rooms are quiet again. The sound of familiar voices and the pitter-patter of tiny feet are gone. Those moments, those gatherings will never be the same. Like the Greek sage Heraclitus said, “You can never step into the same river twice.” That’s the deal—even if the same people gather next year, we will all be a little different because of the experiences of time.
Many of us experienced our Christmas gatherings with an empty chair at our table. The loss of a loved one this past year may have dampened the celebration of family, but it strengthened the meaning of the birth of Christ. Because God loves us, he sent his only begotten son to die for our sins. There are no ‘eternal goodbyes’ for those who have repented and turned to Christ through faith. Our hope is in the birth, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord. Though time marches on, Christ has conquered time, and that victory awaits us in heaven.
As we continue our journey of faith on this earth, we can revolt against time, but time always wins. And when it does, it can bring in the pain of loneliness with a vengeance. Elvis Presley was once asked how would he describe his life in one word. He said, “Alone.” We are made for more than that; we are made for fellowship.
Jesus came to be a friend of all men. He was even accused by the religious men of his day of being a “friend of sinners.” However, Christ never helped sinners remain in their rebellion. He called them to repentance and salvation. That is how we came into intimacy with Him.
You and I were created for a never-ending and unbroken fellowship with God. However, because of our sin and rebellion to the truth of God, that fellowship was broken. Yes, regardless how we view ourselves or prop ourselves up with defense mechanisms or ego trips, all of humanity is broken. It is this brokenness that makes us feel ‘alone.’
Our Christmas celebrations remind us how sweet fellowship is. They demonstrate how others care and sacrifice for our well-being. It is a time when others lavish gifts upon us that we do not deserve. The only thing our gatherings cannot do is last forever.
This is where the Gospel and the real meaning of Christmas shines brighter than the North Star. Jesus came to reconcile us through faith. He changes us from the inside out. If you will, He re-wraps us and makes us new. Then He does something remarkable—He defeats time. How? By promising to always be with us regardless of what we experience. Yes, even when others leave…He is still there!
