All this happened to make clear the full meaning of what the Lord said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel.” (Immanuel means “God with us.”)

Loneliness. It’s one of the worst feelings in the world. According to one survey, around 24% of the world’s population feels lonely. It is estimated that 52 million American adults experience loneliness, with 20% feeling lonely on a daily basis. This symptom is most prevalent among young adults ages 18-34.

Do you ever feel lonely? Do you feel like you don’t have anyone to talk with or that no one truly cares about you? Life is so hard when you feel isolated and alone. If you feel alone this Christmas season, you should know that God sees you, and He knows that you’re feeling lonely. More than just seeing you, though, He cares about you and how you’re feeling right now.

In the book of Isaiah and in the book of Matthew, God promised to send a Savior who would be called, “Immanuel.” That name means, “God with us.” Jesus is not God above you. He is not God around you. He is not God out there somewhere. He is God with you. You are not alone, even when you’re feeling lonely.

If you’re feeling lonely this Christmas, take heart. Jesus loves you, and He wants you to know that He is still Immanuel. He is still with you. He’s never left you and He never will. Cry out to Him in your loneliness and pray for His comforting Spirit to remind you of His presence.

If you’re feeling joyous and jolly this Christmas, because you’re surrounded by loved ones, please consider taking some time to reach out to someone who may feel lonely. Chances are, you know someone who lost someone close to them this year and they’re probably feeling lonely. There may be someone in your church or your neighborhood who is all alone this Christmas. Invite them over or take them out to dinner to let them know that they’re not alone.

Friends, at this special time of year, we are reminded that Immanuel came near to let us know that we will never be alone. He is with us and one day we will be with Him forever. Merry Christmas!

By Shawn Cornett, Bible League international staff, Indiana, U.S.