I have been blogging each day as part of a #ChristmasChallenge I asked others to participate in. Due to my schedule I have been using virtually the same post here and at my other blog. But this one is different. This will stand alone from my other blog. So…I give you my thoughts on this sensitive topic.
Recently we have had two holidays together which emphasize family, love, happy times and togetherness. For many they are anything but. For various reasons pain, hurt, emptiness, loneliness and depression are more apparent than the aforementioned family, love, happy times and togetherness.
Consider why:
- A divorce has rocked the world of a woman or a man or their children.
- A downturn at work has left him or her out of work.
- An ugly spat has taken away family unity.
- A death of a loved one is a painful memory that crops up even bigger during this time.
- Friends are visiting out of town.
- Family is unable to make the trip to see you or visa versa.
- Perhaps you can think of more reasons.
My heart aches for these people. I realize what the church does in offering a lunch at Thanksgiving and a hot breakfast on Christmas morning is a small token when compared to the price of loneliness or pain. Making our presence felt is needed more than just those special times.
When I look around-when you look around- we see people all around us going through the motions of life. Aimless. Heartbroken. Lonely. Out of sorts. And sadly, it is just as easy to miss them. Avoiding their eyes. Rushing past their pain. Ignoring their tears.
BUT…and this is a big BUT…if we are to have the heart of Christ, we can’t pass by unaffected or closed off. Having the mind and heart of Jesus demands we see people through eyes of love and compassion.
So let me challenge you this year to keep your eyes and heart open to really “see” other people. Reach out. Invite them to your family gathering. Take them a meal or take them out for one. See if there is something they need done which they are unable to do, but perhaps you can help by doing it or having someone else help. Speak to people as you see them. Don’t ignore them or divert your eyes.
The following song is on one of my favorite Christmas albums. It is not a “spiritual” Christmas song by any stretch but does touch on my thoughts for this post. And yes, it was partly responsible for me writing what I have.
If you have trouble with understanding the lyrics, underneath the video is a “Show More” tab. Click it and the lyrics will show up.
I encourage you to check out my fellow #ChristmasChallenge bloggers.
Diane at Hadarah.
Ed at Word!
Wow! Your Pastor’s anointing came through loud and clear. Very convicting. Thank you. I will keep my eyes and ears open! I appreciate you and your blogs!
Thanks Diane. What a great compliment you pay. I pray I am equal to that. I too need to keep my eyes and ears open.
It is all too easy for us to look the other way when someone is hurting or struggling with the season, as we are so focused on our own families. May God give me eyes to see and a heart that reaches out to others.
Blessings, Bill!
i agree Martha. We do need to see hurting people.
Listening to the song now. A new one to me. 🙂
Hope you liked it Lisa.