Christmas, as I contemplated writing about this topic, I wondered: what is there to say that has not already been said? I, along with countless others, have written on this subject many times. I had to pause to reflect on what fresh words I could offer about this much-anticipated holiday season. The lens I have chosen to compose through is not necessarily a rose-colored one, but an honest and important one. While many of us look forward to this season filled with family, friends, and hustle and bustle, what about those who do not? What about those who are alone or lonely? Yes, there is indeed a difference. One can find themselves alone and relish the solitude, but not feel lonely, just as one can experience loneliness while surrounded by others.

During a low time in my life, I experienced this as I found myself in a room filled with holiday revelers who had no idea how much I was hurting inside. I spent the evening smiling and chatting with those in the room, but no one cut through my facade to see just how isolated and alone I was feeling. This experience reminded me of the story of the birth of Christ. Can you imagine how alone this unwed mother must have felt when she discovered she was carrying the Christ child? Who would believe her? I am sure she even doubted that her betrothed, Joseph, would believe her. In fact, upon learning the news of her pregnancy, his first reaction was to divorce Mary. Thankfully, an angel came to Joseph and explained that this child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and that Mary had not been unfaithful to him.

Even then, I am sure tongues were wagging, and fingers were pointing as cruel words were slung in her direction. And the loneliness did not end there. As Mary’s pregnancy progressed, there was an announcement made by Caesar Augustus that everyone had to return to the city of their birth to be counted and taxed. Try to picture Mary, who was about to deliver, traveling 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem — the distance from Lewistown to Lancaster. She had to be exhausted when they finally arrived. Yet once again, she and Joseph found themselves alone. No matter where they searched, there was nowhere for them to stay. Instead of a cradle, their newborn son was placed in a feeding trough intended for animals.

To further prove that in this story the alone and lonely are seen and recognized, who did the angels visit first to announce the birth of the Messiah? The shepherds. Shepherds spent most of their time alone, guarding the sheep. It certainly was a solitary life with little interaction with others, and this is who God decided to send a large group of angels to — to announce the arrival of the Christ child. He could have chosen kings and noblemen, but he didn’t. I believe this further illustrates that God has a special place in his heart for the lonely and heartbroken, and so should we.

Although none of us may have experienced exactly the type of loneliness and isolation that Mary and Joseph endured, we all carry our own hurts and frustrations. Perhaps this is your first Christmas without a loved one due to death, divorce, or distance. Even though, on the surface, it appears we are more “connected” than ever with social media, cell phones, and computers, we have far fewer meaningful connections. My challenge to you, as well as to myself, is to make a conscious effort to build those meaningful connections this Christmas season. Quit hiding behind your manufactured facades and do your best to gently strip away those of your family and friends.

May this Christmas be one of true connection and healing — where the lonely find companionship, the hurting find comfort, and we all find the deeper meaning of the season.

A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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Rhonda S. Kelley is the executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.