A widow shared with me recently, "I can hardly bear the thought of Christmas since my husband died. Christmas is painful--so much of the celebration is about family." Well, what a wonderful time to welcome the suffering into your family! After all, didn't the Baby Jesus come "...to bring good news to the poor.... to bind up the brokenhearted .... to comfort all who mourn...." (Is. 61:1-2)?
This Christmas let's remember those whose hurts hurt more during December. Invite the poor and broken hearted to share the day with you. Buy gifts for children of the unemployed. Bake cookies and deliver them to the home of a shut-in.
One of my most joyous Christmas memories was a surprise visit to the widow and invalid who lived across the street. Dan played his trumpet and we sang our Christmas card to her. She burst into tears, joined in the singing, and said, "This is my best Christmas ever!" We received cookies and a Christmas memory of our own.
This Christmas be blessed as you bless those depressed at Christmastime. "...bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Is. 61:3). It will be a splash of serenity you'll never forget and give you your best Christmas ever!
What will you do for someone who hurts this Christmas?
Blessed Christmas season to all,
Elaine
Thanks for the post Elaine. It really is a hard time of the year for some.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting Elaine.
ReplyDeleteI remember the first Christmas without my sister. My parents did not want to even put up the tree but they did because I insisted. My husband and I gifted them with a real tree, it was planted in the Spring and stands over 34 feet tall today. My father's gift to me this year, he decorated that tree from nearly eighteen years ago and thanked me for believing. There is hope during Christmas when others get involved. Great post Elaine.
ReplyDelete:) Lisa
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