Hope for the Hopeless

Christmas is such a joyful time of the year... Celebration of Jesus' birth, favorite songs, children opening presents, food and fellowship, family gatherings.  It's the time of year enjoyed by everyone... or is it?

What about the mother who lost her husband this time last year?  What about the homeless family with no where to go?  Or the soldier in a strange land wishing he were home with loved ones?  What about the father who is out of work and has no money to buy presents for his kids or the teenager sold into prostitution who doesn't see a way out?  What about the brother slowly dieing of throat cancer?

As different as they sound, all these people have a lot in common.  They all need to know that they are not alone.  They need to know that they are loved.  They all need hope.  Most importantly, they all need to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, provider, and comforter.

This Christmas, invite the Holy Spirit to work through you to help someone in need.  Ask God to open your eyes to see people as He does... and to love them as He does.  Let them know Jesus loves them.  Let them know He cares.  Let them know that they are not alone.  Pray for them.  Pray with them.  Ask the Holy Spirit to renew their spirits and fill them with hope.