As I look back on Christmas seasons as a youth I am reminded of the scent of a freshly cut Christmas tree in our home, taking communion on Christmas Eve night at our local church, waking up way too early to open our presents, lots of laughter and happiness, eating big meals with all the family, and playing in the yard with all my cousins. I guess you could say I was very blessed, although I didn’t know it at the time. We were definitely not rich in material things, but we were rich in a lot of other ways. My father was a hard working mail man and my mother was a stay at home mom that was just interested in loving and raising her kids. My parents were both committed Christians and they knew the true reason for the season.

I can remember a story my mom told me one day about something my dad did one Christmas season. She and my dad were driving to the store in our home of Albany, GA and they passed a man hitchhiking on the side of the road with his wife and two kids. My dad stopped and talked with them and learned they were on their way from picking fruit in Florida to their home somewhere up North. After talking with the couple a little while he piled them all in the car and took them to the bus station, bought them bus tickets to their destination, and made sure they got a good meal before they got on the bus. I wonder how many of us would be open to doing that type of thing in this day and time.

We live in a much crazier and less trusting world today but people’s needs are still the same. They need love, and a little help from time to time, but good Samaritans are hard to find. They need the peace that passes all understanding, but most people are looking for it in all the wrong places. They are hurting and need healing, but most people are relying on the wrong doctor and the wrong medication. Most people are seeking victory in the fight, but the true victory is in the surrender. The answer for all of us, regardless of our circumstances or challenges, is the Prince of Peace and the Great Physician. His name is Jesus!!! He stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. The big question is, will we let Him in?

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