Loneliness tends to rob us of our passion and desire.  We find it difficult to swim in uncharted waters when nobody is found on the shoreline cheering us on.  We ask, 'Is there purpose if I am the only one to see it?'

Going alone is difficult.

This is why the words of the angel spoken to Mary in Luke 1:28 are so valuable to us.

"And coming in he said to her, 'Hail, favored one!  The Lord is with you.'"

It was a difficult pregnancy, no doubt.  The life that followed could not have been simple either.  But we all recognize the joy in Mary's eyes.

A Child is born.  The Lord is with all of us.