Friday, December 24, 2021
Merry Christmas Eve, Dear Friends ~
The weeks seem to pass by so quickly! Soon, we will be welcoming a new year with new possibilities! But, first and foremost, there is Christmas….
Today’s Selah blog positing, “A New Family,” is inspired by Psalm 68:4-6 (NIV):
“Sing to God, sing in praise of His Name, extol Him Who rides on the clouds; rejoice before Him—His Name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, He leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” (See also Matthew 12:50.
This time of year means different things to different people. I am constantly aware of people that are rejoicing and those who are simultaneously lonely or sad for various reasons: death of beloved family members; strains on family relationships that cause some family members to choose (or not be allowed to) be together; military families burdened by war and protection of our freedom; people that are struggling financially, and who cannot afford to give the gifts they would like to give; brokenness, sickness, and homelessness; and people that do not have a family to call their own.
Having worked in leadership roles for many years, I have tried to make sure no one on my team was left behind. Everyone deserves to be heard and experience a sense of worth and belonging. I’ve often paused, giving room for each person to have a voice, in order to express him or herself. This is intentional, and for me, must remain so.
There are people, right now, who are lonely, depressed, neglected, lost, and hopeless. I am a strong believer that hope and purpose are two of the things that get people out of bed in the morning. The sense that someone is waiting for us somewhere is very important to the human psyche. Appreciation is also a part of that sense of belonging.
If you pause for a moment and think about people . . . those you see every day or perhaps those you pass by without ever truly seeing—seeing their hearts and longings . . . . My Friends, is there someone that you can invite to, even in a small way, be a part of your family, your circle, and your seeing? Who needs to hear you tell them how important they are to you? Who needs to know they are appreciated—and the Lord has not forgotten about them through you? Whose heart will rejoice because you simply paused to engage them and share a kind word with them? I believe God does, indeed, set the lonely in families—at work, school, places of worship, in community. Everyone deserves this special, sacred gift of belonging. It is, I maintain, a way for the Lord to reach them (through you, through us).
My heart hurts for those that are lonely and who feel forgotten, even forsaken, as if their life does not matter. This is such a special time of year. Jesus came to bring light to our world. I pray that we choose to be light for someone else’s path—bringingthe beauty of this season of lights . . . the peace, grace, love, and joy of the Lord into the world wherever darkness dwells.
This is the new concept of family—broad, wide, deep, racially and ethnically diverse, and beautiful! A lovely tapestry! I believe our Lord would say of this family, as He declared in Genesis when He formed heaven and earth ex nihilo, “It is good.” Until the time when the new heaven and new earth are formed, and our eternal family finally manifests itself for all the world to see, let’s practice this concept of family on earth—broadly, widely, deeply, and compassionately! The well-being of your soul is important to me.
To echo the voice of the late, great Nat King Cole . . . “Although it’s been said, many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you!” God’s love and blessings to everyone!
As you go . . . please remember that this world is definitely a much better place because you are in it.
Until next time, My Friend,
Selah