Christmas! 

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” according to the Andy Williams song. And for many of us, that is very true. All the memories of this lovely holiday are colored with vivid recollections of great gatherings of family around a huge table of scrumptious food. And the presents. So many fun toys for the little ones and special gifts for our spouses.

Not everyone, however, loves Christmas. There are millions of people who dread this sacred season. They have old trauma scars from abusive families. Battle scenes play out in their recall of Christmases past. And for a large segment of our world, the loneliness is crushing, especially at Christmas. The elderly who live alone, the single parent who struggles to put food on the table let alone buy presents for her children, and the homeless population. All these folks do not, usually, anticipate Christmas with a joyful heart.

And we, as followers of Jesus Christ, have ample reason to not only celebrate His birth, but to also share His gifts with those around us. His light, His salvation, His hope- all grounded in the truth of the Gospel:  “I come to bring you life, and life more abundantly” (John 10:10).

During this Christmas season, let’s be aware of those in our communities who need His gifts. As we offer ourselves to Him as our Savior and King, may we be gifts to those so desperately in need.

Merry Christmas to all!
~ Jim Klock, LCSW~

Whether you are filled with happiness, grief, or longing, we are praying that you experience the compassionate and loving heart of Jesus, our wonderful counselor, mighty God, the Prince of Peace,
Immanuel, God with us.