Matthew 25:40,45 NLT
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the
truth, when you did it to one of the least
of these my brothers and
sisters, you were doing it to me!’ … “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the
truth, when you refused to help the least
of these my brothers and
sisters, you were refusing to help me.’
It is the week of Christmas,
and all through the town and countryside are people preparing for the
celebration. Yet some are missing all
the fun. Some people aren’t sure of the
date while others don’t have a clue at all.
I think of the people that I
have walked by this week, or really since Thanksgiving. The real truth is that there are some people
missing in our preparation and in our celebration. Some of them are on our radar screen but
others aren’t. There are important times
like this when we need to stop and think about those who are missing and in
need.
Those who have experienced death
It may have been recent or
some time ago. The reminders of losing a
friend or loved one are all over. It may
get a little easier, but it never seems to go away. People who are mourning the lose of a loved
one or friend need friends like you and me to call on them and serve them. It might be a simple phone call or an
afternoon together. Do something to let
these special people know they are alive.
Those who are in the hospital or nursing home
Some of those who are easily
forgotten are those who have had to stay a long time in a nursing home or
hospital. I have met people through the
years that are simply forgotten, and this breaks my heart. Take some time this week to visit an old
friend or make a call. This might be
inconvenient or uncomfortable, but it could make someone’s Christmas a million
times better. This can also include
those who are in jail or prison. A
letter to this person may help them remember that somebody really does
care. Do something to show them God’s
love.
Those who are alone or in the middle of battles
Often I deal with people who
are battling depression or some other mental issue. Our conversations aren’t ever easy, but they
will always lead to something much better for us both. The biggest thing we can do for someone is to
let them know that they matter to us and to God. This person who is alone may simply need
someone to stop for a few minutes to listen.
It could be they need to hear a Bible verse that God brings to our mind
or to have someone like you or me pray for them.
I’m not sure just where you
are or where you are headed this week, but I do know that all of us will encounter
people who need and are needed. If we
will connect with people, we will be the hands and feet and even voice of God.
May God help us make our
Christmas and other’s Christmas much brighter!
Hebrews 13:16 NLT
And don’t forget to do good and to
share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that
please God.
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