Do You See Me?

Ellen Mongan shares the importance of seeing another person with your heart, not just at Christmas time but all year long.

The reality of someone looking at us and really seeing us is a desire hidden in everyone’s heart. Their soul speaks without uttering a word, “Do you see me?” Whether at church, in the mall, or especially at home, hearts are crying out to be known and loved. 

As Jesus passed by two blind men, he paused to hear their hearts cry out in desperation. Their faith touched Jesus’ heart as he placed His hand on their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened (Matthew 9:29-30). A healing miracle occurred. It was at this moment that they saw each other for the first time. They saw Jesus because He first saw them. 

Can you imagine what it would be like to be blind and then to see? Being blind physically would be tough; however, spiritual blindness is far worse. I often pray, “Open my eyes, Lord Jesus, and let me see.”  I also pray, “Lord Jesus, help me not be too busy to see the person in the pew with tears in their eyes.” What if their heart’s cry is, “Do you see me?”

Sometimes we truly fail to see someone, even at Christmas. The saints’ eyes were focused on Jesus, and their ears were attuned to Jesus’ voice. They saw a need, and they met it. They lived the Christmas message every day of their lives.  

“It is better to give than to receive.” I find it to be true. If you want to make a difference in this world, practice a life of giving. Give to bless and not to get. My prayer partner and I always pray during the Christmas season for God to put on our hearts friends, neighbors, or strangers who could really use a touch of Christ’s love. 

Our daughter, Charity, and her friend, Lauren, wanted to spread Christ’s love. So, one Christmas season, they came across an article about “Shock and Claus.” Together, they chose to make a difference in a restaurant server's life. Their first “Shock and Claus” was so well received that it has become an annual event, even though Charity and Lauren now live on opposite coasts. Last year, my husband and I were blessed to be a part of it. 

Charity’s “Shock and Claus” Mission 2024: 

PLACE:  Janwiches Grill, Grovetown, Georgia 

TIME:  10:30 A.M. 

ATTENDANCE:  Twelve friends and neighbors. 

TIP: $100 per person. 

SERVER: Katie 

RESULT: Shocked and very grateful. 

Last year, “Shock and Claus” was a bit different. When Charity began asking for the bill, the server smiled and said, “Your bill has been taken care of today.” The surprise was for the participants, as one at their table, Omar, had footed the bill for all of us. Luke 6:38, “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap,” is so very true! 

Now it was time for “Shock and Claus,” as Charity handed Katie, our server, the $1200 tip, saying, “This is for you.”  

All Katie could say was, “I can’t take that.” 

“Yes, you can!" the group encouraged her.

Katie did not know what to say. She meekly replied, “Thank you! Merry Christmas.” Then Katie ran to share the good news with her co-workers. Her smile lasted all day. Mission accomplished! 

Make the Time to Bless Others This Season

Christmas is a time of joy, peace, and celebration. However, many cannot join in. There are times in our lives when tragedy, death, or sadness has stolen our joy. Christmas is a perfect time to bless others you know are hurting, or those you meet each day.

Sometimes, receiving a Christmas card or a picture can bring Christmas cheer to friends near or far. A phone call to a distant relative or a shut-in could spark a smile on another person. Mending a broken relationship or helping someone who cannot help themselves are ways to spread Christ’s love. I pray that we, the body of Christ, will never be too busy to care!  

Who knows? Blessing others may not only change their day, but also their lives! It is Christmas time. Ask the Lord Jesus to open the eyes of your heart so you can see those to whom you can send a touch of Christ’s love. Someone, somewhere, is praying, “Can you see me?”        

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Copyright 2025 Ellen Mongan
Images: Canva