How can we be a light in all the sadness?
The horror in the media lately.
Wars at home and abroad.
Parents dying suddenly, leaving babies alone in this world.
Hurting people hurting others.
Ungrateful children spew jealousy and meanness with slammed doors, shutting themselves and anger inside with all the love beating on the door, knock knock.
It’s supposed to be Christmas.
We read the blogs urging us to remember the less fortunate and make sure we remember what they need at this time of year. We shop the stores and have our credit card number saved on Amazon. We’re comfy cozy in our warm, safe homes with our candles and twinkling trees and Advent calendars and Bible devotionals.
We say grace over our sumptuous dinners and smile over our wineglasses.
While others across town have nothing to celebrate.
We seldom do anything that really matters.
It’s Christmastime; there’s no need to be afraid
At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
But say a prayer to pray for the other ones
At Christmastime
It’s hard, but when you’re having fun
There’s a world outside your window
And it’s a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there
Are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight thank God it’s them instead of you
And there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmastime
The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life
Oh, where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow
Do they know it’s Christmastime at all?
Here’s to you, raise a glass for ev’ryone
Here’s to them, underneath that burning sun
Do they know it’s Christmastime at all?
Feed the world
We may do some volunteer work or donate some unwanted stuff. We may do some good, but it’s just a teeny tiny droplet in a huge ocean of hate.
It’s time our works lined up with our proclamations of faith. It’s time we were broken and got down and dirty and did something for Jesus.
Do they know it’s Christmastime at all?
So, I just burst into poignant tears as statuses scrolled through my social media feed with engagement announcements and births of healthy babies and happy news.
My heart is sore with the weight of the world.
Thank God someone is having a nice time this week.
Life goes on. How can we make it a happy one?
- Pray.
- Read current events with the kids. Discuss.
- Limit physical gifts so they’re appreciated and you can maintain gratefulness.
- Volunteer to show your kids how the other half lives. Start somewhere.
- For every gift, donate an item to make room for it.
- Bless others with a song or a homemade craft or goodie.
- Donate to a worthy cause.
- Go on a mission trip this year.
- Visit historical and cultural sites to learn about those who are different.
Please, say a special prayer for those who are hurting in the midst of the hustle and bustle this week.
Resources:
- Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas
- Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ by Fleming Rutledge
- Low: An Honest Advent Devotional by John Pavlovitz
- Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now by Scott Erickson
- Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A little book of festive joy by Beth Kempton
- Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas: Slow Down, Save Money & Enjoy a More Intentional Holiday by Meg Nordmann
- Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case For A More Joyful Christmas by Bill McKibben
- Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Complete Guide to Putting Love and Joy Back into the Season by Jo Robinson and Jean C Staeheli
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