Are you hurting for the holidays?

Every year Thanksgiving ushers in the holiday season and every holiday season, brings about a somewhat chaotic course of human events. We rush here and there, we shop, we bake, we eat, we trim trees, hang lights and stockings, light our menorahs, follow the advent, rush off to Christmas plays and concerts, parties.. for a full month and then some.  Some embrace the hustle and bustle, the running here and there, making it their goal to do and to be everything.

This time of year isn't always beautiful and light for everyone.  Maybe, it's because most everyone is consumed with making things Merry and Bright that they don't notice the hurting people they may encounter this season.

The hurting don't necessarily tell you they are in pain, they try to blend in and go unnoticed. Some paint on a smile and go through the motions trying to block out the pain with food or alcohal. Others let you know they are hurting by how they interact. A wise woman once said "hurting people, hurt people" and this is true. I see it every day.

Families are dealing with illnesss,  the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, trying to split time between several families....

A smile and a kind word goes a long way. An offer to go for lunch or coffee, reaching out to show someone the light and the love of Jesus can warm the aching heart of the hurting.

Lord God, This time of year we are spread thin and tired. We try to do it all and wear ourselves out trying. Show us how to slow down and savor the little moments.

So many are hurting this time of year, Father send you angels to soothe and to bring your light to warm hearts and feel love everlasting.

Heal the hurting, mend the broken, hold the greiving, bring peace to us all with your message of love.

In His magnificent name, Jesus
Amen

Christmas blessings,