During the season of Advent this year, a North Carolina-based faith and culture leader has spoken out about what so many people desperately need right now.
« Christmas tells us things about God, » said Dr. Alex McFarland of Greenville, North Carolina.
First of all, « Christmas brings hope — tangible, life-changing hope, » he said.
« And our world sorely needs it. »
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Added McFarland in comments to Fox News Digital, « Over the last decade, and especially since COVID, volumes of mental health research have documented the severely detrimental effects of isolation, loneliness and stress. »
Happy children decorate their Christmas tree at home. Said Alex McFarland to Fox News Digital during the Advent season, « Ponder the magnitude of what Christmas is about: Almighty God entered the stage of human history out of love for each of us, personally. » (iStock)
He said that one often-cited study found that » loneliness and associated depression were as unhealthy for the body as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. »
In reporting on this, he added, « even the American Psychological Association lamented that fewer people attend church these days — something that wonderfully provides people with continued socialization and feelings of ‘belonging.’ »
So — « what might this have to do with Christmas? » said McFarland.
« What does Scripture say about you and me? » said a prominent faith leader to Fox News Digital. « That we matter to God. » (iStock; Unsplash )
« A lot, actually. »
He said people should « ponder the magnitude of what Christmas is about: Almighty God entered the stage of human history out of love for each of us, personally. Acknowledgment of this fact is transformative, » he added.
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« Christ’s life as recorded in Scripture is why we can still have hope in this world. If Jesus Christ really came here — then what it says about each of us is also true. »
McFarland noted, « And what does Scripture say about you and me? That we matter to God. »
« The manger reminds us that Jesus sees humanity with unconditional love. » (iStock)
« Christmas reminds us of the Christ who promised that He will receive all who trust in Him, and of those who do, not one will be turned away (John 6:37). »
So, « this Christmas, remind yourself what Jesus’ birth, life — and promised return — truly mean, » said McFarland.
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« ‘My life has purpose, and I matter to God.' »
He added, « The manger reminds us that Jesus sees humanity with unconditional love, and this was coupled with a willingness to embark on a rescue mission that just happens to be the central focus of history. »
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McFarland is a youth, religion and culture expert.
Among his books: « Abandoned Faith: Why Millennials Are Walking Away and How You Can Lead Them Home. »
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