Goodwill toward men!

Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace,

Goodwill toward men!

Luke 2:14

This Christmas season has been a very different one for me. It’s the first Christmas season that I haven’t been stressed about anything, yet been able to do everything from decorating a gingerbread house (well, we did a train instead) to hand painting ornaments, making real wreath and homemade cookies. It has truly been a very Merry Christmas for me. At the same time I have seen Christmas not been a happy time for everyone.  For someone who has lost their job, this isn’t the most wonderful time of the year, because so much emphasis is placed on a merry Christmas being a materialistic one. There are those who have lost a spouse or a loved one and things that once brought happiness are now things that bring sadness because they evoke memories of times spent together. Christmas, for them, becomes a difficult time with much pain.

I’m reminded that it’s the worldly culture around that points us to things that don’t really satisfy; more presents to get and wrap, cookies to make and bring for teachers, cards to send out on time, house to decorate, a perfect outfit for Christmas, every commitment to make and maybe just one more present for that person.

But truly people don’t need another present as much as they need the very presence of God. The compassion, comfort and grace He has for a persons particular situation. The bible says that we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses (Heb.4:15). It teaches us that He came to bring peace to our tormented souls, hope and above all; love that covers all situations and every need. We as Christian women, wives and mothers, have the answers! Only are we too busy with our “Christmas spirit” and our own running around that we forget to share that true gift of God with others.
This is the season for us to take notice of the lonely person, the hurting person and bring the gift of encouragement to them, saying: God will be with you. He will help you and He will strengthen you. So look for opportunities because people are more open to these conversations around Christmas. Now is a great time to encourage someone who is struggling.