It is that time of year again where the holidays are upon us. We have already pass through Thanksgiving Day and we are pressing on towards Christmas and then to break in a new year. It is during these times a church family is important due to the emotional strain the holidays may bring. During the holiday season, memories come to the forefront of our minds and those thoughts can make one feel sad, lonely or depressed.
People to remember during the holidays:
- Those who have lost loved ones – Having a family member pass away breaks one’s heart and the holidays can revive some of those memories. This time of year brings back memories of good times from our childhood to the current day and many of those memories feature people who have passed on from this Earthly life. Remember the widowers, widows, parents who lost children, siblings, grandparents and more.
- Those without close families – Whether by distance or other factors, there are individuals who will not be near any family during the holidays. Being away from family as others attend family celebrations can make the holidays difficult and lonely. Remember those who are not near their families and remember those who have family members away (example – military).
There are several more groups we could mention, but each of us probably has a connection to someone in one of these groups. There are several Bible verses we could mention but remember this one, “…all people will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13.35)
Just some thoughts,

In a few short weeks, the world will turn to look and discuss the Messiah. Every year, one day has the world looking at the cradle which would rock the world. Whether you celebrate December 25th as the birth of Christ or another holiday in the giving/receiving of gifts, the fact is, people are thinking about the baby Jesus. Most likely, your family and friends will be thinking about Jesus.
While we know that Jesus grew into a man, the Christmas season causes us to reflect on the baby Jesus. It was a humble birth that God chose to bring His Son into the world. It would not be a birth that would amaze the world as it does now, but it would be a quiet entrance of the Promised Deliverer.
The first years would be a silent reflection of the humility of His life. Common people would be His first visitors and around two years of age magi from the east would bring Him earthly, honorable gifts. As His life would be sought by a power-hungry king, His family would become refugees. Finally, returning to His homeland, His family settled in a common town.
Amazingly enough, the Messiah grew up among the people without notice. Even after He grew into adulthood and began His earthly ministry, the people still saw His as Joseph and Mary’s boy. As His fame was growing and multitudes followed Him, some still saw Him as an earthly man and others saw Him as the Messiah the nation had waited so long to see. To the latter, He was their deliverer, their Savior, their King.
How do you see Jesus?
Just some thoughts,
