Blue Christmas

Blue Christmas

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,

for in you my soul takes refuge.

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings

until the disaster has passed.”

(Psalm 57:1)

           

This weekend I am thinking about people who are having a sad time during this Christmas and Holiday season. In the terms of Elvis, they are experiencing a Blue Christmas. My prayers are out there for those who have lost a loved one and will have an empty place at the dinner table, those who are out of work, the many with serious illnesses to name a few. There are too many reason to be sad to mention them all.

Some that I know who will read this include three who lost a loved one this year, a lady who just lost her job and an African lady without a job with a critically ill brother.

Also this year I want to pray for those throughout the world who were injured themselves or lost a loved one in an act of terrorism. Worldwide there are thousands of Christians as well as people in other faiths. There is no group that is untouched. It is a sad situation that needs our prayers.

As Christians we have a cause for joy; the celebration of Christ’s birthday .Our Jewish friends are lighting menorahs and celebrating Hanukkah. YES, experiencing joy! We all need to wear our smiles share our joy.     

Thought for Today: Let us take note of our sad feelings over the holidays. Let us recognize that they exist and pray about them. Turn them over to God so we can enjoy the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father today we have special prayers for the holidays. We pray that the reminder of your presence brings trust and love to the world. We pray for people who have lost loved ones and are spending their first Christmas with an empty place at the table. We give thanks for the role that you play in our lives and the help you give us. Thank you for being available for us each and every day.

Amen