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!
You are WONDERFUL but I would LOVE to see classic styles for stinking hot humid weather in BRISBANE Queensland pleeze
Thank you so much for your time AND effort it’s fabulous
Michelle Capalaba Brisbane
Michelle, I have a few friends in Australia and I have heard that it is really hot over there right now. However, you might need to scroll back to my post in June or July for inspiration. I am not sure if I can style outfits for summer temperatures when it is freezing outside. Lol!
I’ve said it before but your Sunday posts are what drew me to your blog as much as I love the everyday “Adventures of Tania”. You’re a blessing and a helpful hint each week. Bless you and yours.
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These comments brought tears to my eyes. My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. This hasn’t been my easiest year either with my husband’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, but my situation isn’t nearly what Alison’s or Monica’s is. I have a lot to thank God for! I’m asking Him to help me to be more aware of other’s situations.
Thank you, Tania.
Dana, I was like you. I sat and had tears streaming down my cheeks reading the comments. I am so blessed and I need to do more for those who might be struggling.
you have no idea how timely this post was for me. Loss of a dream — big time and I can’t even . . .
Lola, I am sorry. A loss of a dream is hard also. Take time and learn to dream again.
Bless you, Tanya, for your empathy. My husband died suddenly in 2017, so this is my second Christmas without him. My grown children try to fill the void, but Christmas will never be the same again for me. I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas, full of fun, friends and good food!
Barbara, I have empathy but I haven’t been in your shoes. I know that it will never be the same again but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find joy in other ways. I am thinking of you and saying a prayer.
Beautiful words. Thinking of everyone not as fortunate.
My mom and I invited a friend from church to a Longest Night service on Friday night. She lost both her father and her 19 yo son this year. There were tears but it was a beautiful comforting service as well. I am blessed to have all my family around. We are unable to buy many gifts but truly that makes us focus more on the holiday itself.
Oh my goodness, Marcia. My heart goes out to your friend. Losing one or the other would be horrendous by itself. I can’t imagine how hard this Christmas will be for her. It was so nice of you to think of her.
The readings you chose are comforting. My husband passed away in May and my Dad in October. I am blessed with two wonderful daughters and five grandchildren who bring joy into my life. However there are many tears for my first Christmas in 40 years without my husband. Cherish the people you have in your life.
Monica, I am sure that there will be many tears shed this Christmas. Try to remember the good times and don’t let this Christmas rob you of the happy memories from Christmas’ past.
My father passed away December 13, I live on another continent and won’t be back home for another two weeks, at which point it will be for his funeral. On top of that, we just moved my mother in law into a nursing home and are having difficulties on that front. All that to say, I’m one of those who just isn’t feeling the Christmas spirit this year.
Alison, I am so sorry. Living apart from family is hard on a regular basis but at this point in time, it is just brutal. I am saying a prayer for you and your family.
I am so glad I found your blog on Pinterest! I am 53 and somewhere along the way have lost my knack for fashion, putting outfits together. I have tons of clothes, jewelry, shoes. I just go blank when it comes time to put it all together. I have been reading your blog faithfully and it has given my confidence a boost! Thank you!
Tammy, all of those things that you mention is EXACTLY why I started the blog.