Daily Devotions
[Jesus said,] “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
As we approach Christmas, preparations, shopping, parties, gift exchanges, and well wishes fill our lives. But unfortunately, the season is a sad time for many. The full lives of those celebrating contrasts with the emptiness they feel. Parents may feel empty because a child fails to write or call; yet grown children may feel they can’t call. The hole caused by the death of a loved one is difficult to fill. Statistics show that before and after Christmas more people take their lives—in many cases finding it difficult living with their emptiness.
I knew a family with three daughters. As each daughter was confirmed, the father gave her a gold heart-shaped necklace with a tiny key cut out of it. He said he would keep the key until her wedding day when he would give it to her husband. The key would symbolize that while her father’s love would not diminish, she would then have two men loving and caring for her.
The love of family and friends gives meaning and purpose to life; however, only when Christ Jesus is welcomed can we enjoy life to the full, dispelling emptiness. The emptiness many feel at Christmas (and all of us feel at times) can only be filled with the Baby whose birth we celebrate together.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, make me aware of those who cannot find joy in this season. Enable me to help them fill that void with Jesus. Amen.
My Bold Action for Today: Today I will phone or visit someone who may be feeling empty this season, letting them know I care and am willing to help fill their emptiness with Christ Jesus.
Rev. Bryan Rosnau