One thing that has come to the forefront during this time of Covid is a second, quieter epidemic –loneliness. As an introvert, I enjoy being by myself to gain back energy spent interacting with others. But even for me, there are plenty of times when it is not good for me to be alone. I can dwell too much on problems to be solved and too little on the joys of daily life. It’s an easy place to find oneself. Even with our technological advancements in communication, our society is lonelier than ever. 

This “loneliness epidemic” seems to be affecting Millennials (defined by Pew Research as persons born between 1981 and 1996) significantly more than other generations, with 22% feeling lonely “all of the time” and 24% feeling lonely “for at least some of each day.” That’s almost half of America’s largest generation feeling lonely every day– 33.1 million people! And it doesn’t end with Millennials. According to Susan Mettes, an associate editor at Christianity Today and author of the book, The Loneliness Epidemic: Why So Many of Us Feel Alone and How Leaders Can Respond, one-third of all U.S. adults report feeling lonely for at least some of each day.

It seems impossible that the more connected we are, the more alienated we feel. It seems impossible, but it’s true. The important question is – what do we do about it? I believe the answer lies in having a true community. Because the remedy for loneliness isn’t just surrounding yourself with people; anyone who’s ever been afraid in a crowd can attest to that. The remedy for loneliness is knowing you belong. 

Erik Carter, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University, defined this further through his Ten Dimensions of Belonging. His formula proposes that belonging goes far beyond being included in a group. Rather, individuals must feel needed, invited, welcomed, present, befriended, known, cared for, supported, accepted, and loved in order to develop a true sense of belonging. 

As educators and mentors, our staff is passionate about making every student feel a deep sense of belonging, one that will ultimately lead them to a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ. We also want you to feel this belonging. It is a beautiful part of the Norfolk Christian experience. United around Jesus, our common object of love, let us strive continually for authentic community where everyone knows they belong. Let us break bread together in our homes. (Act 2:47) Let us bear each other’s burdens (Gal 6:2), stir one another to good works (Heb 10:24), and devote ourselves to prayer. (Acts 1:14) Let us celebrate the unique gifts God has given each of us for this very purpose. (I Cor 12)

You have a special role in this commUNITY and you belong here. We are thrilled that God placed each of you in the NCS family.

The Christmas story is one that evokes worship and awe from believers, and a yawn from those who don’t see it for what it really is. From our perspective, this is the fulfillment of a promise made in the garden, a Messiah coming to deliver us from the bondage of sin and death. That perspective can easily be lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and traffic congestion.

Our fifth graders demonstrate a different perspective as well. They have been honing their creative writing skills this month with a project called “Voices of Christmas.” The students selected characters present at the birth of Christ and retold the story of that miraculous event through their eyes. Some chose shepherds, some animals, others Mary or Joseph or even the star. As I read through these well-crafted and engaging stories, it was wonderful to see our emerging writers bring their ideas to life. But mainly, I enjoyed their sense of perspective that, no matter whose view is taken, it always focuses on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. There were no innkeepers who stole the spotlight, no shepherds proclaiming their greatness for being the first to know. There was only awestruck wonder as each man and beast came face to face with the Glory of Heaven, lying in a manger. 

In reality, isn’t that what happened for all of us on that beautiful night in Bethlehem? The Savior of the world became man, in the lowliest of ways, so that each of our life stories are nested within His grand story. It is this grand story that gives our stories meaning. What a breathtaking truth to comprehend! 

As you enjoy Christmas with your family and friends this year, I pray you will be overwhelmed by the magnitude of God’s love for you. And that the truth of this story will fill you with awestruck wonder while you worship Him.

Merry Christmas!

Excerpts from Fifth Grade Voices of Christmas

Starli the Star’s View
by Raelee Campbell

“The signal sounds. The trumpets of the angels blare so loudly I believe earth down below could hear them. I burst forth, spreading my arms wide and glowing for all the world to see. Over a stable, I hover in the sky. 

I gaze down at the people below. One is “The Chosen One,’ as the angels call her. She is Mary, eyes dim as embers, hair black as coal…the one that will fulfill the prophecy that was prophesied thousands of years before her.

‘No’ is the only response I hear when Mary and Joseph try to get a room in the inn. I frown. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be! Suddenly, I know why I was called to hover over a stable. I don’t want to believe it, but I think that Jesus, the Son of God, will be born in a stable. 

An innkeeper leads Mary and Joseph to the stable. The Son of God will come today! A baby’s cry fills the night. Shepherds appear with their sheep. This is the moment we’ve been waiting for! The Son of God has come! Everyone bows to Jesus, the Son of God. One day, Jesus will save His people. I smile. 

This is the world’s first Christmas.”