A Christmas Wish

With Christmas fast approaching it is easy to get caught up in our own little world of chaos. We have presents to buy, meals to prepare, hustle and bustle on every hand, and as Christians we do our best to remember the true meaning of the season. But there’s one thing we tend to overlook, one group that seems to slip through the cracks. They are the ones who are hurting, those lost in despair.

Their reasons may be varied, but no less significant than any other person’s may be. It may be the absence of a loved one, a lack of the basic necessities, or feelings of inadequacy in providing for those around them. Whatever the cause, it is the duty of every Christian to share the meaning of Christmas.

What is that meaning? It is hope.

Jesus came into this world to bring light to the darkness, to drive away emptiness and fear and replace them with the promise of a brighter day. During the commercialized Christmas holiday, so much emphasis is placed on material things that spiritual and emotional concerns seem to go unnoticed. This should not be the case. At all times of the year, especially at Christmas, we should pay special care to those in need.

This requires that we have an open heart and open eyes, and sometimes a closed mouth. We get so caught up in our plans and schedules and lists that we push the needs of others to the side. We have every good intention of “getting back to them” as soon as we find a more convenient time. Still, our good intentions do not go far in bringing comfort to that one who needs it most.

I encourage you during this special time of year to take a moment to offer a word of encouragement to someone. It doesn’t have to be through a Christmas card or an ornately-wrapped gift. It can be through a phone call, perhaps just saying, “I’m thinking about you, and want you to know that the I and the Lord are here for you.”

Many speak of a sense of loneliness at this time of year, a time when you go to the stores and are surrounded by more people than at any other season. The reason is that we tend to draw into ourselves. But the Christmas message, the true Christmas spirit, is about giving, sharing, and offering hope to those who least expect or even deserve it. Christ came unto His own, and they did not receive Him. His own family, His own people denied Him. We may be guilty of the same attitudes toward our fellow man; those who need us the most are shunned and ignored.

Let us therefore resolve to give a little more of ourselves this Christmas season. There is still good in the world, there is still hope to be found in Christ. People are searching for that peace and grace and hope. Let us show them the way toward it. Give the gift of Jesus this Christmas season, and throughout the year. We sing of that “Silent Night” so long ago, but silence is the last thing we need right now. Share your faith, give the gift that was given to you, the gift of Christ, and learn what Christmas is truly all about.

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