By Nancy Virden (c)2022

I like Christmas. The songs, snow, and decorations uplift me with fresh joy every year. Santa is a fun story, The Christmas Carol reminds me to practice generosity, and the holiday is a great excuse for family gatherings.

But Nancy, some might say, these things have nothing to do with Christ’s birth. Where is Jesus in your Christmas celebrations?

Being in awe over God’s bold gift to humanity is not a once-per-year event. Nearly every day I thank Him for providing the answer to all of life’s ills and struggles, for eternal life through Jesus, and for His great love. It does not matter to me if Jesus was born in December. I celebrate Him year-round.

It is at Christmastime that people remember more often to be kind. Love reaches out in charity and tolerance. The social atmosphere better reflects, at least to some degree, the heart of God who tells us to love our neighbor.

As Christmas 2022 passes, I urge you to remember “the reason for the season” each day of 2023.

God, I thank you for the many splendid ways in which you prove your love to humankind. Thank you for Christmas. Amen.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

John 3:16 asv
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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