We are in the midst of “the most wonderful time of the year” and maybe have been since before Halloween as the Christmas decorations, advertisements and commercials seem to appear earlier every year.  It is a wonderful time for Christians as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and as long as we keep that as the center of this time of celebration, it can remain wonderful and peaceful and blessed as it should be. 

It can and does become for many “the most stressful time of the year” for various reasons.  First of all, we all have normal stress from just living our daily lives.  Our lives are in a constant state of flux, some of which we cause ourselves and some that we have little or no control over.  Scientifically, in times of stress, adrenaline and cortisol flood the bloodstream and hinder immune function which can lead to illness, stress eating, weight gain and inactivity, all which lead to further stress.  It becomes a vicious cycle we have trouble breaking.

Whether it is illness, loss of a loved one or general worry, we can be immobilized by stress. Throw in no job or health insurance which can then lead to lack of money, food and basic shelter for ourselves and our families and our lives can be very stressful and depressing.  We can’t get our family a gift or a meal or even shelter for “the most wonderful time” and life seems like there is no answer and nowhere to turn for help. The holidays exasperate all of this and our stress level it heightened more.  We miss what we don’t have and want, we can’t do anything about it and what is the point…

It is our job as Christians to help others in need, not just during the holidays but at all times.  We have so many opportunities to assist those less fortunate and undoubtably, much more stressed than we are.  We do a great deal here at Joy for those who are in need such as helping with meals for Interfaith, school supplies for needy children, health kits for the homeless, Angel Tree gifts for folks at Christmas, the Good Samaritan Shoe Boxes filled with gifts for children and many other ministries which hopefully can ease their stress, give them peace and hope for the future and lift their spirts.

Most importantly, we can pray for all in need and hopefully find a way to share the good news of God’s unconditional love and grace for all.  We can do this at all times, not just Christmas but that is the time and place we currently find ourselves.  Let’s seek out opportunities to make this the most wonderful time for people and take away some of their stress by sharing what we have in abundance, not just material things but love for our fellow man through our actions.  This is what God asks of us in Hebrews 13:6. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Thanks be to God.

Patty