“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

I love late November and December because they remind me that Christmas is coming. I can bear through the cold because I know the season is exciting, and even waiting for December 25th is exhilarating. Then, once January 2nd happens, I realize that everything I have been waiting for is over, and I am left with short days and freezing weather. January often feels like the loneliest time and can be a depressing time of year. During this time, many of us feel the loss of people we love or we feel the loss of events we were looking forward to that have now happened (like Christmas).

We may have gathered with family and loved ones, which is good, but usually, by this time, people have gone home and returned to the routine of life. Sometimes that leaves us feeling alone. In the verse above, we see God reminding and encouraging the Israelites that He is with them and won’t leave or forsake them. This promise was to the people of God, and it also extends to us. While we don’t have a tabernacle with God’s presence, we have the Holy Spirit (John 15:26) to guide and comfort us. The Lord our God will be with us and pour His love onto us; those are comforting words.

Additionally, as the Church family, we are called to surround people, especially in this season, caring for those who are lonely and brokenhearted and inviting those who need help into our lives. This is what it means to love and loving isn’t always easy or comfortable, but it is what we are called to do (Mark 12:30-31). Like the Israelites, we are God’s community, together and not separately. God asks us to live together and care for each other.

So this season, as we have come from the joy of being with family and celebrating our Saviour's birth, let us remember two things. First, God is with us. He has given the Holy Spirit to dwell with us (Galatians 5:22) and fill us as a holy people. While we may feel alone, God never leaves us. Secondly, we are called to be the church to those around us—people who are lonely, weary, and in need of encouragement. They need to be invited over for a meal or simply given a smile and some encouragement. What does it look like to bring Jesus’ Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope to someone in your life this year? We are one family in Christ. Let’s care for each other and those around us well.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving us the Holy Spirit and for always being with us. Be our comfort and encouragement. As we experience your comfort, I pray that we can comfort those who don’t know you and those who know you but are struggling. Show us where we can spread your love this year. Amen.

-Austin Christianson

Shepherding and Worship Pastor