How Are We Doing?

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life                                                             John 3:16

So, two weeks until Christmas, 2023 is here. How are you doing? Shopping done? Cards, contacts to friends, family and loved ones taken care of? Have you been listening to songs of the season, watching Christmas movies, gone to parties with friends or co-workers? Maybe you are into college football bowl games, or maybe holiday basketball tournaments.

Or maybe none of these things helps put you into the Christmas spirit. The things I have mentioned above are cultural events in America that are seasonal reminders to us. Perhaps this is a difficult season for you. Perhaps you have recently lost someone you loved, and this season is a difficult one. Maybe some family changes have taken place, and this Christmas feels just a bit “different”. Maybe you are an empty nester, and you are missing familiar family scenes of years gone by.

Whatever may be your situation, know that we need to acknowledge that not every Christmas will be that “Currier and Ives” Christmas that people are “supposed” to experience. Even when situations change in our life, the fact of the Incarnation of Jesus into a broken and hurting world remains the same.

Celebrating that visit of Jesus to earth is best done by realizing that we can be Jesus to others by visiting those who are lonely and in need. Perhaps that “Jesus response” is finding a non-profit that serves others all year long and donating to that cause. Whatever your response, know that the Savior loves you where you are and whatever state you are in.

Blessings on your journey this Christmas season!

Prayer: Lord, help us to celebrate Christmas in ways that honor you, Amen