Sermon Snippet – Home Alone: the Prelude Continues
INTRODUCTION – As we have seen recently, the prophet Elijah had a prophetic place in the Christmas story, as John the Baptist became the fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6 as the forerunner of the Savior (Matthew 17:10-13). Another aspect of Elijah’s life that ties into the Christmas account is his loneliness (I Kings 19:14-18). Loneliness at Christmas is part of the Gospel message, as we saw last week from the lives of Mary and Joseph.
1. THE SHEPHERDS WERE LONELY AT THE FIRST CHRISTMAS
Shepherding is an inherently lonely profession, far from populated areas and with almost every hour spent outdoors. Even when the shepherds gathered at sheepfolds, they still did not have hearth and home. In first-century Israel, an additional factor was that shepherds were considered perpetually ceremonially unclean and thus could not worship at the Temple. Yet, the first announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ came to a group of these outsiders (Luke 2:8-20). As these men returned to their sheep, people probably tried to steer clear of them (such is the power of cultural norms), but they heard the message clearly anyway. A good lesson for us is to remember that social outcasts are welcomed by Jesus into His eternal family. Paul wrote about this truth in I Corinthians 1:26: “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” The shepherds returned to their challenging and, in the minds of the elites, lowly work. The work was the same, but they were not.
2. SIMEON WAS LONELY AT THE FIRST CHRISTMAS
Simeon’s story is found in Luke 2:21-35. He was a deeply spiritual man, a trait which distinguished him from most of the religious hierarchy in Jerusalem. He did not fit in. Also, the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise to Simeon meant that his death could occur at any time – that is a lonely feeling. Still, Simeon has no regrets. What a great way to live! I think of Paul’s words at the end of his life: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (II Timothy 4:6-7). We love this life, but we love far more the life to come.
3. ANNA WAS LONELY AT THE FIRST CHRISTMAS
Anna knew the loneliness of old age (Luke 2:36-38). Despite her advanced years, she labored at the temple, doing the necessary work of cleaning. It was not a glamorous position, and no doubt some deprecated her honest and sanctified work. God’s opinion of her is seen in her inclusion in the Christmas story.
CONCLUSION – In one sense, the Christmas account is our Lord’s ultimate answer to the reality of loneliness. It is more than that, of course, but it includes the promise of Jesus as our Eternal Friend (John 15:13-15). By trusting in Jesus for everlasting salvation, we enter into an abiding relationship with Him. Because we are never truly alone, we do not need to suffer the loneliness of this lost world.