Advent Devotional by Larry Kuhlman
Isaiah 12:2-6
Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 12:2-6)
The privilege of being a writer in the middle of the Advent booklet is a joy. Christmas cards, holiday candy and gifts, busy shopping, fancy meals, family get-togethers, church services, Christmas music, and lovely decorations; all are uniquely personal and are designed to bring joy during the Christmas season. We include and eagerly anticipate these important components of Christmas.
This year of pandemic isolation reminds us that some people are NOT included in the celebration of the holidays. They are intentionally or accidentally excluded. Last year we were uninvited to our son’s house for Christmas because of the potential for COVID. Even though we understood, it was a painful, isolating reality.
In 2021, we all saw the heartbreak as individuals with COVID in hospitals and care facilities were separated from their family and friends. No contact was allowed. Quarantines and fear of contracting COVID required social distancing and radical removal of stricken victims from their normal routines of life. Christmas plans were drastically altered as pain and despair flashed across our television screens and social media. Some stories ended in tragedy.
Unlike the poor, despondent Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, who was rescued from peer disgrace, many among us had no Santa Claus to remove the hurt and frustration cast upon us. Santa saw the asset of Rudolph’s red nose! He changed Rudolph’s despicable situation from hopelessness into the midst of greatness and reverence. His inclusion by Santa ended the hostile, belittling environment and made Rudolph gratefully indebted to Santa for eliminating the social distancing.
Some people can, by sheer determination and intention, remove frustration and feelings of isolation and accept the daily rhythm of life. As an example, our son’s eighty-pound dog simply cannot get enough attention. She maneuvers whomever she chooses, flops onto laps, and licks the hand and face of anyone she can. She is an unashamed, unbiased beggar for food and attention. Yet, this dog is included in almost every family activity and is everyone’s best friend. It is almost as if she refuses to be isolated!
Isaiah reminds us that God is in our midst. God sent His Son, Jesus, to dwell among us and to be our Savior and friend. In the midst of whatever we are doing, in the midst of our Christmas festivities, no matter how we may be feeling or what our circumstances are, Jesus came at Christmas, born in a lowly, lonely stable, that we may have, “Life and have it more abundantly.” We are all included in God’s love.
Larry Kuhlman