Please bear with me here as I muse. In pondering the holidays, we remember that they can be very special for some and very hard for others. Many people don’t have family to share with, or have an unhealthy, dysfunctional situation. Maybe there has been a recent divorce or death, or the loss of a job, home or career.
Although we need each other in these times, holidays can magnify the blatant, harsh reality of such losses. For those on the outside, these situations create the awkwardness of, “Should I not say anything about it?” hoping to avoid the painful obvious, thinking that if the subject is avoided, the raw reminder will be averted.
But like the elephant in the room, in most cases it’s best to acknowledge the loss in a compassionate way and be an instrument of love and grace in that situation. It lets your friend or loved one know that you care about them.
That’s what we wanted to encourage you with this month: Be an instrument of God’s love, compassion and peace everywhere you go.
Let’s be honest: This season can become a very stressful time with decorating your home, buying presents, office parties, church presentations, and then for many, the financial pressure of it all. Although it can be “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for some, it can also be a very agonizing time of the year for another – maybe even someone you know. We all must be sensitive to others and remember to be an instrument of God’s peace and love, as we ourselves remember to rest in His peace.
The Message of Christmas
Last year I heard someone say that the message of Christmas is not about the absence of trouble, but it is about the presence of Jesus in the midst of trouble. I really like that. In reality, there are lots of people going through lots of difficulties, and the enemy doesn’t lighten up just because it’s Christmas. But THANK GOD ~ He sent His Son Jesus to be the Light in the midst of darkness, Hope for the hopeless and Strength for the weak & down trodden.
In closing, we hope that you are able to take special moments during this season to simply receive His Love, because He loves you so much, and then in turn freely give to others what you have freely received.
Love and Peace,
