The Best gift ever?

Is it really "the most wonderful time of the year?"

Sunday I talked about the Christmas Carol, "Away in the Manger." I talked about the simplicity of the Christmas story. I also talked alot about the "tender care of Jesus."

What suprised me were the tears. During and after services, so many people wiped away tears. What was it all about? I did not think the sermon was a "tear-jerker." But it touched a nerve in young and old.

It was because Christmas is hard for many people.

It is hard for the person who will have an empty space at their table this year.

It is hard for the woman whose husband decided to chase after someone else this year.

It is hard for the mom and dad who have lost thier son to cancer.

It is hard for the family who was told that the job they had counted on for years would not be there after the first of the year.

It is hard for the children who lost a parent to cancer.

It's hard for the couple who have prayed , sometimes for years, for a miracle baby to come into their lives.

It is hard for the wife that never feels like she measures up to her husbands standards.

It is hard for the children who hear their parents fighting in the other room.


There is alot to be happy about at Christmas. But here is something to think about. Look around at the people around you. Get beyond the surface and look into thier lives. You might find some lives that are messy, hurting, and full of discouragement. You might find someone who is worried and fearful. You might find someone who is hungry and cold. You might find someone who is just tired of putting on a happy face and telling everyone on that they are great.

Those people might just fall into your arms...and burst into tears. And if that happens, be there. Be fully there. Just listen. When appropriate, extend your arms to them. Show them a special kind of love that accepts them where they are, points them to Jesus and makes them feel loved. Listen, pray, and listen some more. Do what you can, and then give them a hug.

It may be the best gift you give this year at Christmas