Hebrews 13:3   Remember the prisoners as if chained with them-those who are mistreated-since you yourselves are in the body also.

On Thanksgiving evening, we traditionally have “Christmas” with our son Matt, our daughter-in-law Deb, and our three grandchildren, Kate, Nate, and Caleb in Olathe, Kansas. It was my turn to open my present from all of them. I slowly opened the box and I saw a beautifully cut and dressed wooden nativity set. I was instantly taken back to the 1990’s. I felt like my father had just walked in the door, but my dad died in 1996. Where did this nativity set come from?  Deb filled in the answer. It seems that she came across the box of unassembled pieces in her garage. She used to help my dad; he did the cutting, and Deb did the painting, and signed all of the pieces, “Grandpa and Me.” This box of pieces had survived at least three moves, including a cross-country move and a span of about twenty-five years, but when Deb found the box, she knew what she must do: assemble, paint, and dress the figures and give it to me as a Christmas gift. Did I cry when I heard the story? Of course. Did I feel that Deb and all of my family felt my pain? Oh my, yes. Did my tears ruin the day? I don’t think so. I think we had an unforgettable day…a day when my dad was remembered and Deb showed her love for me and for Grandpa by remembering.
 
Perhaps you may feel that calling hurting people prisoners is misconstruing the meaning of the above verse, but I’m sure those who are victims of Sandy, the recent snow storm, those who have faced financial or job loss, or those who are dealing with the death of a dear friend or a loved one would agree that they feel imprisoned. The Bible says that we are to feel we are chained to them. I think that means we are to identify with their pain.

When the Panorama fire in 1980 caused many of our friends to lose their homes, my son tried to think what he might miss the most if he lost everything in a fire. He bought items such as umbrellas, toothbrushes, flashlights, a sewing kit, and puzzles.

When our 17-year-old son was killed by a drunk driver, a friend brought a sackful of “goodies” to my house which included all kinds of paper products: plates, cups, napkins, tissues. Others brought meals all packaged for the freezer; others were simply present. All of the efforts helped and were remembered. I felt alone and that I carried a sign around that said “I AM A BEREAVED PARENT; I DOUBT THAT YOU KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO ME.” So everyone stayed away from me and left me alone. I clung to those who seemed to care and weren’t put off by my seemingly negative attitude. Their gifts were simple and definitely not fancy, but those gifts said, WE CARE AND WE WILL BE WITH YOU AS LONG AS YOU NEED US.

Do you know someone in need? Are you “chained” to them?  Are you feeling their pain? The Christmas season is the perfect time to reach out and let them know you care.

I can think of no better time to reach out to hurting people than the Christmas season. Christmas can be a very lonely time for hurting people.

Our Decembers are long
and hard to bear.
Our lives seem so full
of pain and care.
As we slowly loosen
our grip on our grief,
 We make room for Hope and Peace,
What a sweet relief.

Reach out to those you know are hurting this season. Let them know you care because Jesus cares.

James 4:17 “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

Marilyn Willett Heavilin

Marilyn Is a wife and mother; author & International conference speaker
 Author of Roses In December,
December’s Song
Becoming A Woman of Honor,
Profound Common Sense
When Your Dreams Die,
Grief Is A Family Affair,
I’m Listening, Lord