Hope for the Hurting at the Holidays
Christmas is a season of family, friends, joy, and giving. Warm memories of childhood traditions, romantic Hallmark movies, shopping for gifts, and laughter. Who doesn’t covet the warm and cozy bliss we all dream of for this season? It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But for some, the season of joy is a season of sorrow. There are those in our community who are hurting during the holidays. For some, the Christmas dinner table has an empty chair where a loved one used to sit. Someone just found out that they have a life-threatening illness, and this very well could be one of their last Christmas holidays to enjoy. Broken relationships and distance may bring a bittersweet taste to what should be only sweetness. Depression, loneliness, loss, and struggles are real, even during the holidays. How can we help those in our community who are hurting and bring hope during this time of year?
Give of yourself. Be present. This requires nothing but showing up. Companionship eases the burden of heartache. You don’t need to say the right thing; just be available. Being around someone who cares is comforting.
Give a listening ear. Sometimes, the greatest gift while going through a trial is having someone just listen. Processing pain is not easy, and it helps to have someone there as a sounding board. You don’t have to give opinions or be a counselor; be a trusted friend, be present, patient, and listen.
Give your time. Life doesn’t stop just because someone is going through a hard time. What makes it easier is having someone to lift some of the burden. Offer your time to be there. Offer to do some grocery shopping or gift wrapping, clean the cars or house, watch the kids or pets, make a meal, help decorate their home, help write out Christmas cards, or bake Christmas cookies. Look for needs and fill them.
Include others in your joy. Life may have changed significantly for someone you know this holiday. Things may be different and uncomfortable for them. Include them and invite them to be a part of the joy and peace you will experience. Invite them to a candlelight service, visit a nativity scene or Christmas light show, and have them at your holiday party or a sit-down family meal. The same faith and wonder we remember at Christmas also offers hope to the hurting. Remind them that there are seasons to life and that you be there through them. Make someone feel unique and loved. Be a burden-bearer. There is a Hope that will heal all hurt and right all wrongs, and we remember this Hope at Christmas. Be that hope and make a difference this holiday.