THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR
It is that time of the year when we start to sing Christmas Carols, and a lot of the ones that we like the best are the ones that we remember from our youth. A friend of mine mentioned that a “wassailing” song was one of her favorite songs to sing at this time of the year, but I had never even heard of it. I tend to like the “old” stuff when it comes to Christmas songs. Songs that are from Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and even Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr. tend to be my favorites. One of my the songs that I like is by Andy Williams, and I was listening to it this morning, and it struck me…for some this is NOT a wonderful time of the year.Everyone does not celebrate Christmas. Even the ones who do normally celebrate Christmas might not be feeling like celebrating this year. I know that I find myself getting wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and I am guilty of paying close attention to those who might be suffering, a lot of the time in silence.
Do you know someone who lost a loved one this past year? Maybe someone you know lost a friend, a spouse, a child, or even a pet. A loss does not have to mean death; it can also just mean being separated from someone you love. Think of those who have moved away and can’t afford to come home for Christmas. Think of those who are serving their country and can’t go home. Think of those who are in the nursing home and who have outlived their friends and families. You might be mourning the loss of a dream, a marriage that didn’t last, or you might be feeling lost and unloved.
Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone felt the love of Christmas? Here is the great thing…they can!
Isaiah 43:2
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 41:10
10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Revelation 21:4
4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
The Lord is with them now and for always. He has His arms wrapped around them and is comforting them. But, you can do your part too. A phone call, a text, an email, an invitation, a hug, and just an “I am here for you” can make a huge difference for someone in pain. You are saying that you see them, you can’t take away the pain but that you are there to walk through the pain with them.
Enjoy your family this Christmas and be sure to praise the Lord for His most precious gift of His Son. But, also, take a few minutes out of your hectic schedule to reach out to someone that you think is in need. Then, you are giving a wonderful gift of your own!
Have A Blessed Sunday.
Oh thank you, Tanya, for this very timely and true post. Christmas is a rrery hard time for .e usually. Everyone is doing couple things…shopping for gifts, wrapping gifts, parties, and then there’s Christmas morning! And this year I thought I’d be married to a good man finally! But praise God, I have a relationship w my Lord and He gives me a reason to feel joy, to feel lived and know I’m not alone. Have a beautiful Christmas Eve w all your family!