What category will your family fit into? It would be nice if everyone could say happy holidays but we know that’s not so. But you can try really hard to turn things around and enjoy your loved ones and friends. Time is too short to hold grudges and hateful memories.
Just recently I had the opportunity to cater a Christmas dinner for the Urban Mission. Our community has a lot of needy people. Even though Jesus said “the poor will always be among us” it breaks your heart to see them. The ones that are suffering with mental problems, the ones who have been affected by drugs and many who have no family.
During this time of the year we should all become more conscious of the importance of our family. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were the model for family life. One man, one woman and a child. Great example!
Getting back to the subject of the homeless and needy community, I witnessed an amazing moment Saturday night. A gentleman by the name of Bill asked if he could have a couple of take out dinners. “Of course you can! I said. As i started to prepare the plates Bill began to explain how he looks after the street people who won’t come inside for the dinner but they love it when he shares his food with them. Bill also mentioned how the street people will tell him that he needs to be careful. He said he tells the prostitutes about Jesus and anyone else who will listen. His words were somebody’s got to care because they have no one. As he walked away I realized the family ties among the homeless and the needy. Not only between them but also the shelter providers and the soup kitchen workers. What a family!
Please don’t forget that if you have a family, God gave it to you as an extension of His great love for you. And more important than anything God sent His only begotten Son into this world to save us from our sins. So as you enjoy the company of your family remember becoming a part of the Family of God is what Christmas is all about.
May you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Jesus received three gifts and there are three that He’ll give you when you make Him your Lord, Love, Joy, and Peace! What greater gift could you desire.