A Christmas “Blessing” Challenge

For some, 2024 drags its tattered self to the finish line, depleted of all joy and energy. What began as a fresh, clean calendar full of promise and hope has been badly tarnished by circumstances and a thousand shards of brokenness. The sad soul longs only to make it to a new year and a new start.

But we who know Hope Himself, while perhaps having had our own painful, difficult year, have something – Someone – to offer as 2024 winds down.

In our losses, we’ve clung to the Comforter and found Him true. Our tears are captured in His bottle. (Psalm 56:8)

Desperate only for a touch, we’ve reached for the hem of His garment and found the Healer able to restore. (Matthew 9:20-22)

Deserted and alone, we’ve cried out in anguish over broken, lost relationships and found the Faithful One never leaving nor forsaking us. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

In tears, we’ve carried our shattered dreams to the throne of the Sovereign God and found peace in trusting His perfect plan. (Jeremiah 29:11)

We’ve staved off the ravenous wolf at the door in his attack of all that we hold dear and found Almighty God standing guard on our behalf. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

My friends, we who know the Lord and have proven Him faithful in all the heartache, heartbreak, and heartlessness? We have this one true God to offer to a suffering world. So I have a little “twelve days of Christmas” challenge for you.

I know, I know. You are “busy” with a capital “b!” Same, friend, same. But if I promise you that this isn’t an “add-on” but an “already-doing” challenge, will you consider it?

Beginning December 14 and for the following eleven days ending on Christmas Day, as you’re praying, ask God to show you one person – one person that you’re already planning to see or talk to who’s had a tough season, a loss, an illness, a disappointment or a long-unmet need. Then ask God to show you one thing you can do as you’re going about your day that will let that someone know that God (and you) cares about him or her. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice, and then be obedient in blessing your loved one.

A phone call. A text. An intentional conversation during time you’ve already planned to spend together. Don’t “add on.” Just step into things you’re “already doing.”

One person. One thing. One day at a time. For twelve days.

Christmas truly is the season of giving. We who know the Lord, know His goodness, know His faithfulness – let’s commit to boldly, generously, and lovingly share Him this holiday season. All that He is, is all that we need to end the year on a good note.