Thursday, December 22, 2010

Love Those Who Are Hurting

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."

-- Matthew 24:42

The anguished post was short and to the point. Her daddy was dying, the family was standing watch, and they really needed prayer. Numerous people, myself included, quickly sent notes and asked God to comfort this family during this heartbreaking journey.

It's Christmas and joy is all around us. But joy isn't something that anyone can assume. For some, like the woman I mentioned, sadness overwhelms everything else. I know. There's something especially awful about losing someone you love during this season of hope.

For others, it is a season of firsts. Another friend sent a special photo in her Christmas card. She lost her daddy earlier in the year. The photo is of my friend and the great-grandbaby her daddy never got to meet. She called it the circle of life. And it is. Life gives way to death and death to new birth. The Christmas story reminds us of this. A baby came to live and then die for us, only to rise three days later so that we who believe have new life.

Other people are filled with memories and realities that collide. Maybe most people really do have that storybook holiday I see on TV. I don't know. Mine is filled with heartache and feelings of inadequacy. I smile. I laugh. And every year I die a little more inside. I don't think I'm alone. It's just not something we talk about in this season of joy.

Last week three teenagers headed to school. Two met Jesus a short time later. We never know. I doubt either friend I mentioned earlier started the year thinking last Christmas would be the last with their dads. I know the families of those two teens never expected to attend their funerals. We assume a tomorrow that may never be. The Bible warns against that.

I don't mean to sound so depressing. Celebrating Jesus' birthday is a joyous time. It's just that we shouldn't assume that those around us are happy. We should be aware of the heartbreak and heartache. We should remember that Christmas is more than presents and parties. Jesus came to show us how to care for one another. So take a minute and spread a kind word. Offer a hug and say a prayer. Include the rejected and lonely in your plans. Jesus came out of love so show people you know Him by the love in your heart -- especially to those who are hurting.