Merry Christmas! I pray this is a season of gentleness, love, peace and hope for you. 

This is generally a time of festivities, traditions and holiday parties, but I also know this can be a very lonely and sad season for many. I’m reminded to be more aware of those who are without loved ones, family or close friends either by geographical distance, family dynamics or due to the loss of loved ones.  It is easy to become discouraged simply by the infiltration on social media feeds, video posts or movies on television, and the truth is that people are hurting this Christmas season and feeling desperately alone. I wanted to send a gentle reminder for individuals to spread good cheer and to be gracious with everyone you meet this season.  Let us be intentional this Christmas to not be consumed in posting about our social events or the who’s who in the zoo, but to spread the love of Christ and extend a hand of generosity to those near to us, and even toward a perfect stranger. 

More often, people are hiding deep pain and sadness behind their busy lives as a means to distract themselves from the reality that awaits them at home. People are also hiding behind a smile because they want to mask the hurt in their heart during a time when hope is supposed to be alive, yet it is a far away concept. 

My prayer for those who are feeling left out this season or like the cards have not been dealt in your favour, or as if you have had the worst of luck in your life. It’s not about luck, it’s not about chance, but it is about your personal story of redemption in how you’ve made it through the dark and lonely seasons with glimmers of hope for a stronger tomorrow.  I declare Romans 15:13 over you, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NLT). It is this kind of hope that will keep you spiritually alive during dark times or moments in this Christmas season that swallow you up emotionally. 

Readers, continue to pay it forward with spontaneous and generous gifts of love, surprise and hospitality. Do not leave an open door of possibilities to minister unmet. Let us be God’s hands extended this season in everything we touch and do. The blessing is twofold for the giver and the recipient. Jesus is truly the reason for this season and the only way many will come to see that is through our generosity. 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year dear ones.