Please reach out to those in need

Greetings!

In just a couple days the beloved Christmas Day will be upon us. Advent/Christmas is such an exciting time for most of us. The lights, gifts, parties, church services, and amazing food seem to be all around! There is also this amazing feeling of hope in the air. Maybe it’s just me, but there seems to be a bit more kindness among people. Seeing glimpses of peace on earth is simply amazing. I wish this article could just end there!

I have learned many things in my 19 years of being a minister. One is that everyone has skeletons in their closets. Some people have a pinkie bone, and some have several cemeteries full of bones but none of us are perfect! I take comfort in knowing that! Over the years I also found myself feeling less excited about the Advent/Christmas season. What I started noticing is that while there are so many who are so excited about Christmas and all that it brings but there are also those who really struggle this time of year.

There seems to be an unspoken rule that tells us that we are supposed to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of Christmas! We keep our problems, hurt, and grief to ourselves because we do not want to spoil anyone else’s Christmas! All this seems to do is bring people who are hurting farther down. I think most ministers find themselves hearing those stories and then trying to find ways to bring a sense of hope to all those who are hurting! After years and years of this I have a different perspective on this season. I see a much bigger picture than I once did!

What we know is that Christmas brings, or is supposed to bring peace, hope, joy, and love to a broken people. Generation after generation has waited for the Messiah to finally arrive. Jesus arrived as a helpless baby in a dirty manger and our world would never be the same! The story of the birth of Jesus is a story of hope! In the darkest places light would now be shown!

Over my years of ministry, I also learned that we as humanity need each other. We are not meant to be alone. We need to hear encouraging words of hope and love! We need human touch. A handshake, pat on the back, hug, and/or just a touch of kindness can change a person’s perspective! I guess what I am trying to tell you is that we have the power to change lives.

God has given all of us gifts and abilities that we might serve others. Please reach out to those who are battling depression and loneliness! Please be aware that many are struggling this time of year for many different reasons. Take time to show them peace, hope, joy and love! If you are the one struggling, please reach out and allow others to bless you! I pray we all feel the presence of Christ this Christmas Season!

Much Love,

Rev. Court Fischer

First United Methodist Church

Mt. Pleasant, IA