DECEMBER 21 BRINGING HOPE AT CHRISTMAS By Matt McAlack Director of Youth and Family Ministry Programs, Cairn University Adjunct Faculty, Word of Life Bible Institute
And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt. (Matthew 2:14)
Christmas is a wonderful, joyful time to celebrate the birth of our Lord. However, for some, Christmastime is difficult because of life’s circumstances. I think it is important for us to have eyes to see those who are hurting and to reach out to bring them hope at Christmastime. When I was a teenager, our family had a tradition of attending the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. One Christmas Eve, all five of my siblings and my parents packed into our Volkswagen bus to attend the service. On the way, we made an unexpected stop – we picked up five-year-old Rusty and his dad. Instead of welcoming our guests, we huddled together, one on top of another, in the back of the van. It must have appeared ridiculous to our guests. On the way to church, Rusty’s dad made small talk with my parents while the rest of us remained awkwardly silent. The return trip after the service was more of the same. After Rusty and his dad said goodbye and went into their rented apartment, my dad explained that Rusty’s mom had recently passed away. The medical bills piled up, and they had to leave their home to live here. This was their first Christmas without mom and without their home. I wished I could turn back the clock and give Rusty and his dad a hug. Of course, I couldn’t. I had missed my opportunity to be a blessing. That was a life-changing moment for me. I decided then and there that I would keep my eyes open for those who are displaced, grieving, and sad at Christmas, and try to find a way to welcome them into my life and encourage them. Isn’t this what Jesus would want?
Is there someone you can encourage this Christmas? It’s a perfect way to celebrate the birth of our Lord.
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