Verse of the Day - Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ~ Romans 12:15 (NIV)

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Christmastime is always filled with excitement and festivities. We have parties, open presents, laugh, eat, and generally have a great time. Many Christmas cards say something like, "May the spirit of the season stay with you all year long..." For many, this time of year is about a spirit of love and good cheer, of happy times and being with friends and family, because so much of the rest of the year is difficult, where we wear toil like a heavy set of armor.

And yet, there are those that can't even set aside their sadness during this brief season of respite from trials and tribulations. I was talking with my small group this week about how tragedy is no respecter of seasons. So many are slammed with tragic circumstances during the holidays -- mourning is the tinsel in their hair...grief is the mistletoe hung over the door. In the news recently, we have heard so much in the way of domestic violence turning to tragedy just here in Sacramento, and it just sickens the soul. And those of us not directly affected may want to just turn off the TV and go about wrapping gifts and drinking egg nog like nothing ever happened. But to those who are touched by tragedy, especially at the holiday season, it feels impossible to do anything festive, with such a heavy weight of grief slung on their shoulders.

The untouched want to enjoy the gaiety of the season; they don't want to get dragged down in sadness. But who will help the mourning to get through the terrible time of grief, huh? Who will be there to weep when they weep, when presents sit under the tree with a tag marked for a loved one who just died? For them, the season may be marked for years to come with sadness, not joy; with mourning, not rejoicing. Who will be there to help them get through it, to come alongside and cry with them?

Believers in Jesus are called to set aside their desire for happiness and extend the arms of comfort to those who need it. And during this season when everyone wants to feel happy, there are many who are far from it. May we lay ourselves down and pick up the burdens of those who are laying in a heap of tears this season. May we give them hope by letting them know they are not alone. Letting them know you love them and so does God.

If Jesus were here in the flesh right now, I know He would not shy away from the grieving...

Love,
Joelene