Christmas Hope for Depression and Loneliness

Feeling lonely or depressed this Christmas? There’s hope built into the Christmas story that can lift you out of depression and into a deeper relationship with God. Look deeper at the miracle of the baby in the manger and you’ll find a way to exchange your sadness for joy, your loneliness for a friendship with the Savior.

One of the earliest prophecies about Jesus was spoken to a people in deep distress. “Nevertheless there will be no more gloom for those in distress… For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…” Isaiah 9:1, 6 BSB

Darkness, distress – it all sounds so familiar as we continue to maneuver through the uncertainties of the pandemic. But a light has dawned! God has come! A child is born to save the world. A later scripture in Matthew 1:23 offers even greater encouragement. “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

Imagine it. God with us. God with you. In the midst of the loneliness of our times, the very presence of God draws near. In him is light, in him is hope. In him is all you need to rejoice in this holiday season and find reason to celebrate the child born in a humble stable.

In the presence of your Savior, fear disappears, chains break, despair dissipates. In his presence, light comes, driving out depression and filling every dark and lonely place of your soul.

This Christmas, I pray you will embrace the hope of Christmas. You are not alone. God is with you.

If you want to explore God’s presence in a deeper way this Christmas, here’s a  5-day Reading Plan on our sister site, iDisciple, that will help. Emmanuel – God with Us: Christmas Comfort for a Lonely World