Is it the most wonderful time of year?
Lyrics to a popular song call this the “most wonderful time of the year.” There are indeed many wonderful things about this time of year; however, over the past few days, as we turned the calendar to December, I couldn’t help but think of all those who most likely would not consider this to be a wonderful time this year. The song goes on to say “hearts will be glowing when love ones are near….”
I imagine this does not feel like a wonderful season to many as this will be their first Christmas without a special loved one. So many come to mind…..a father killed suddenly one morning in a motorcycle accident this summer, another father who died unexpectedly a few weeks ago, a teenager and his girlfriend killed in an auto accident, the veterans killed in the recent parade/train accident, a ten year old boy who battled brain cancer for two years that passed away a week ago. And there are so many more.
I have been thinking about these lately and how their families go about the Christmas season with such a big hole in their homes. As past holiday traditions done together fill their hearts, they are left with only pictures and memories of their loved one this year.
We cannot bring back these people of course or take away their pain. But hopefully our loving, thoughtful presence will ease some of their hurt. As Christians we are supposed to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). We are also told through the New Testament to “encourage one another.”
Those who are hurting this holiday season are one group who definitely need our encouragement. How can we do this? Think about the people you know personally who have experienced a loss this year and find ways to encourage them throughout the season.
• Do something to remember them and their loved one. For example, you could donate money to a local food bank or shelter in their loved one’s memory.
• Another idea is to send a card. If you were close to the person who passed away, it might be appropriate to share a happy memory you have of a past holiday when you were all together. Let them know you are thinking of them and remembering with them.
• Be a listening ear. Be present. Let them know you are their friend. Give them the gift of your time. Don’t tell them you know how they feel because most likely you do not.
• Something else you could do is send emails or texts throughout the holiday season with encouraging Bible verses. These simple words may be just the thing they need to help them through their day.
• Finally, remember to be in prayer for these people daily and the hurts they are facing as new situations arise and old memories fill their hearts.
I encourage you today as you are enjoying the holiday season to do what you can to remember those who are not enjoying this wonderful time of year.
Have a day of blessings!
I couldn’t agree with you more Bethany! Although I like the thought of all enjoying this Christmas season many have lost loved ones or experienced tragedy and loss. I’m not surprised that you would remind us of this. You are such an encourager to others and have a tender heart for the hurting. I love that about you. Thank you for the reminder.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Thank you for the reminder to encourage those who are hurting this Christmas season. You are right that we do not know how they feel and know their hurt. Just being a friend and listening may help them to go through this season.
Totally agree.