It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Image by Shenzi (2015) via morguefile

The Halloween decorations are down, and already all the stores have their Christmas decorations up. Soon we will be celebrating all our blessings with a Thanksgiving feast, then preparing ourselves during Advent for the grand feast day of Christmas. With the season comes all the feelings of good will and anticipation, gratitude and love. Indeed, it is a most wonderful time of the year.

But not for all.

For some, the approaching holidays anticipate feelings of loneliness. Separated from loved ones by distance or death, they feel empty inside. Those who have been placed in nursing homes and forgotten long for the days gone by when the celebrations included them.

Others feel financial burdens because they are not able them to give to others, especially their children, as they wish they could. There are those who work hard to make everyday ends meet, and the build-up of Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas gift-giving only makes their struggle more intense and seemingly hopeless.

Times of hardship and trials befall some - serious illness, complications in pregnancy, relationship issues, whatever it may be. Most likely we have a friend, family member or neighbor who feels as if they are visiting Calvary instead of Bethlehem.

Then there are people who cannot tell why they feel down at the holidays. Like something unseen in the air, they just cannot seem to avoid it.

Do not forget those who struggle during this time of year.

If you know someone who has had a loved one die recently or who is separated from family, visit them or invite them to your home. Visit a nursing home and give out Christmas cards. Such small gestures can really light up a person's day even brighter than the Rockefeller Square Christmas Tree. Is there someone you know going through hard times? Share some holiday goodies and cheer with them. Do not assume someone else will.

Many churches and schools collect food and gifts for the financially-burdened in the community. Be sure to give what you can. If you know a family who is struggling, be their St. Nicolas. Lighten the burden.

Most of all, pray for those who feel depressed during this time when the Love and Peace of Christ should be in our midst. Beg God to touch them. And when I say pray for them, I really mean pray for them. When going through depression, it is very difficult to pray. So we need to pray for those who are experiencing this difficulty.

For them, perhaps you could say:

Lord, Jesus Christ,
I am in darkness; bring me your Light.
I am in depression; bring me your hope.
I am in fear; bring me your strength.
I am in doubt; bring me your faith.
I am in confusion; bring me your wisdom.
I am in sadness; bring me your comfort.
I am tired of fighting; bring me your peace.
I feel self-hatred; renew my dignity.
I feel despondent; renew the joy.
I feel alone; renew our friendship.
I feel nothing; let me feel your love.
I am broken; make me whole again.
I ask this through your Name, Jesus, which brings love and peace to the world and to me. Amen.

Do you have any suggestions of how to help spread holiday cheer to those who may be most in need of it? Please share.