Christmas Eve

I stood in the foyer of our church on Christmas Eve and smiled. It was impossible not to: Young girls who walked by were topped with bows. Little guys were decked out in Christmas sweaters that would have fit the new dolls that their older sisters carried. Moms and dads looked like they were enjoying the family time as they made their way into the sanctuary for the worship service. They were there to celebrate their Savior’s birthday. It was blissfully comforting.

I stood in the foyer of our church on Christmas Eve and ached. It was impossible not to: Individuals recently widowed, divorced, bankrupt, and injured who walked by were close to tears as they made their way to the worship service. They were there to honor their Savior’s birthday. It was painfully poignant.

I stood in the foyer of our church on Christmas Eve and prayed. It was impossible not to: I thought of you and the pastors’ wives throughout this nation and world who consistently are able to touch the lives of the joy-filled and the depressed. We can connect with them not only at Christmas but throughout the year. May God always fill us with the blessings that make us effective in ministering to those in our spheres of influence. May we always be able to Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. –Romans 12:15 (NIV) And may we assist in turning mourning into dancing;–Psalm 30:11a