The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is past and Christmas and the new year are quickly approaching.  For some, Christmas is the highlight of the year. They can't wait to get out the decorations and turn their houses and yards into wonderlands.  We love to see all the lights and in some cases elaborate scenes on people's lawns. It was our family's tradition to ride around the town and see all the beautiful lights and displays.  I carried that through with my children.  It seems to lift our spirits and is a good family time.

For others, Christmas is a sad time of year. It may be because of their financial circumstances, the loss of a loved one at that time of year, or they just may be born Scrooges. What ever the reason, they just can't get into the festivities.  Perhaps you know people like this. Perhaps it is even you.  Those who love the holidays just can't believe that there are those who are depressed or just ambivalent about the season.

Especially at this time of celebrating our Savior's birth, let us be sensitive to each other. Let us not forget that the season is just that; celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and why He came to earth. Let us be patient with those who cannot or will not be happy at this time. In our own exuberance, let us ask the Lord how to minister to those who may be mourning, have had hurtful experiences at Christmas, or are just a Scrooge. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus and the meaning of the season. For those who cannot engage in all the festivities, let us be kind and caring and lead them to the real reason for the season. 
Ask the Lord for wisdom when to address the situation, or to just be supportive and let them know that like Jesus we love them unconditionally.

In these economic times let us be like Paul and be content whether we are abased or abounding, because Jesus came to die for us. Please know that I am available to you if you are having a difficult time during this season. May you all have a very blessed Christmas.

Donna Ridge