Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
12 18 2023
Whether yours is the tradition of family…Or whether you’re alone…You’re Not Alone!
Christmas highlights the great feelings of needing each other. (And forgiving each other) The day passes so quickly. We watch the Hallmarks of great family gatherings that so many only wish for, and so we dream along with them. But we’re often so busy in our own life we don’t take the time to smell the roses in our garden. There are so many expectations, and so many traditions to fulfill, Why is it that we are always adding just one more task to the mix? We are so stressed, and overwhelmed and the joy that is supposed to be… isn’t. Many of us were raised in a certain tradition, perhaps it helps you feel connected to a piece of you that you don’t want to forget. Truly they remind us of life’s joys and the comfort of being part of something.
Maybe it reminds you of good times with your family and friends. But you shouldn’t lose your joy while trying to relive the past. It is about family~! It’s about the people! It’s ultimately about Jesus! Enjoy the moments and be present with whoever we are with. “If you have done it unto the least of these…you have done it unto me!”
But what about those who don’t have family or friends? This holiday season 61% of Americans think they’ll experience feelings of loneliness or sadness. That’s an increase from 55% in 2021. This comes as nearly a quarter (24%) of this year’s respondents say they’ll feel more lonely or sad this year than last year.
But God knows and has a bigger plan for you. Ps 147:3 proclaims, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” But what exactly are we looking for this Christmas?
What exactly are we celebrating?
Let’s consider Mary, the mother of Jesus, who became pregnant and probably felt very alone and isolated. Few believed that the virgin had become pregnant by the Spirit and not by man. The situation appeared scandalous, and gossip surely roamed the streets. (It was not like an unexplained pregnancy today that wouldn’t raise an eyebrow.)
Yet, God was with her in that isolation—even when she had to travel a long way to give birth to her firstborn far from home. She trusted God. There was no room for her in the inn, so she was in a dark stable while giving birth to the Light of the world. Even in one of life’s most troublesome and darkest times, she found the greatest joy and hope of her life in God.
Whether you are with family or are standing alone this year, you are not alone. Jesus will fill your void.
Press in! Choose faith…choose to trust him in the face of loneliness.
It isn’t about who we’ve lost. It’s about a Savior who has gone to prepare a place for you!
Our choices mean something.
Nothing is random.
Every chance is another opportunity to choose the high ground. To choose the good thing, the right thing, a together thing, and if you dare… to have faith…Looking for those God moments, a God purpose… another God chance of giving your love away. It isn’t random. Not in praying for someone in a grocery aisle or being present when someone is opening up even though you’re in a hurry. How about inviting someone over for Christmas dinner or on Christmas Day? Life isn’t random during the holidays. They’re not random on any day but we seem more motivated to give during the holiday season.
The years are flying by and it becomes more critical to make your moments count. Being alone for a season doesn’t relieve us of that gift of giving, giving ourselves away… serving more… loving more, It is a gift more precious than silver or gold. It is one of those great four-letter words…TIME. There is a joy in giving, and that includes those random acts when you are alone.
The Bible says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
PS If you and your family are alone give me a call, we have more than enough room for Christmas brunch at the Piller’s. Reach out…we have more than enough room.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnUDqibR_W4
Carrie Underwood Because He Lives
