Be a Friend to Someone

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. A song written in 1963 by Edward Pola and George Wyle and popularized by singer Andy Williams tells us so. You know the song, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Not only does the song tell us that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, it also says “It’s the hap-happiest season of all.”

But the Christmas season can also be a very difficult time for some people. It could be that they’ve had a very challenging year financially. Or maybe they have some health issue that has worn them down, zapped their energy, created a future filled with uncertainty. Possibly a long-term relationship went sour and there is lingering pain or guilt from that ended relationship. Is someone new to your community, not having made many friends yet, therefore left off the neighborhood party invitation list? This season will be also hard for those who experienced the death of a loved one. There will be that sense of loneliness and sorrow, and those missing gifts and empty chairs make it no secret that life has changed.

We all know someone who would say that 2021 was “not the most wonderful of times.” In fact, that person might even say it downright stunk. I encourage you to come along side that person and simply be a friend. Your presence says to them, “I care.” Not only that, God can work through you to give that brokenhearted person a sense of encouragement. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Christmas, what better gift is there than to be a friend to someone who is hurting. The Bible tells us to do that very thing. In Galatians 6:2 we read this, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ.”

So, this Christmas Season, be a friend to someone, just maybe helping to make this the hap-happiest season of all for them.

Dave’s note: I continue to make progress in my recovery from a stroke and will keep writing as I am able.

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