Friday night I attended a special meeting at church for those who are grieving or have experienced loss around the holidays. With me was our good friend R., who recently lost his mother.
It was a quiet, healing time for all. Some, like R., who lost a loved one this year, were deeply comforted by the love of God shared and simply being together.
Others, like myself, had time to reflect on other kinds of losses we have experienced, and how God’s grace and goodness have carried us through.
Jesus tells us that here on earth there will be sorrow, yet in Him we find peace:
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Seasons of trials, loneliness, and sorrow come to all of us at times. They don’t just disappear because we turn the calendar to December.
While songs of holiday joy fill workplaces and shopping malls, hospitals remain full. For some, loved ones will not be home for Christmas. Family in the military, broken relationships, illness, loss of loved ones, and a thousand other trials big and small continue to fill people’s lives, even through this season of “cheer.”
Christmas isn’t about pretending everything is fine when it isn’t. It’s about turning our eyes to things above, accepting God’s love into our hearts, and remembering the greatest gift ever given: His wonderful Son.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:1)
The holidays present a special time to extend the love of Christ to those in need, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to shine as lights in a dark and troubled world.
Do you know someone who is feeling the sting of loss this Christmas?
Reach out to them this week with the love of God, and remind them that they are not alone.
It may be the greatest gift they receive.
Beautifully done Cheryl. So often we can get caught up in our own situations that we can neglect those around us who are grieving, lonely or suffering in some way. A good reminder to listen, watch and move with God to meet the needs of those in need.
You’re so right, Barb. It certainly takes being more intentional this time of year. God bless you and Merry Christmas!