Christmas Thoughts

I love this time of year. All of the tradition, family time and coziness that surround this holiday. And the kids and their excitement and wonder can bring tears to my eyes. And then there is the fact that this holiday is all about our Savior's birth. It comes and then it goes, it seems, in a blink of an eye. We make memories we will cherish throughout our lifetimes.

And then there is the part that makes my heart hurt. I have been bombarded lately with stories and images of orphans around the world. As I see my kids, and all of the disproportionately wealthy Americans, relish in this time of plenty, I can't help but think of those who don't have anything. Basic things like food, clothing, shelter, love and family. And Jesus. Wow! What a contrast. A stark contrast. What do we do about it? 147 million orphans. Like I told Will last night, we can't adopt them all. I think he got a little nervous for a moment...visions of the Duggars popped into his head. And as I look at those two sweet little black heads bouncing around our home, I am reminded where they once spent their Christmases. They were once without. How can there be such a difference between our culture and the ones without? Surely if it hurts my sinful human heart, how much must it hurt God's heart to see His creations without?

So as you go about your Christmas celebrations please pray for those children not snuggled up close to a parent in a warm house, hearing the story of how our Savior came into this world. Pray for how you can help them, we can help them. Maybe it will be through financial support, prayer, mission work or maybe even adoption of one of these souls longing to be loved. Just what would Christmas look like next year if we all followed the command in James 1:27 to ......care for the orphans and keep oneself from being polluted by the world? Better. I know it would look better!