How do you think most people spend Christmas Day? Perhaps surrounded by friends and family, opening gifts, eating a scrumptious meal, and relaxing afterwards would be our best guess. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case for so many. For many people, the holidays are something dreaded because they are alone.
Before the days of streaming TV, the movie theatre was the “happening” place on Christmas Day. The parking lot was filled with people. One can watch a movie as a respite from the painful reminder of what isn’t. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and at the same time, ‘tis the season to be lonely.
This year why not think of someone who may be alone and reach out to them. If you don’t know whom that might be, consider those in nursing homes, divorcees, single folks, people who have children who live in different cities, immigrants, or the new neighbor who just moved next to you. We are created as relational beings—part of the way God made us. When we are not in relationships, we hurt. All that is needed is someone who will reach out, walk across the room, or send an invitation.
This week’s reading:
- Monday – Matthew 8
- Tuesday – Matthew 9
- Wednesday – Matthew 10
- Thursday – Matthew 11
- Friday – Matthew 12
- Traveling mercies over the holiday season.
- The St. Paul Church family.
- Those who are unwillingly absent.
- Those who are grieving and depressed.
- The United Methodist Church.
- Our nation and our leaders.
- The World.