As a minister I visit and speak at quite a few 'ladies' groups, lead workplace prayers, visit homes etc and more so during Advent. For the 1st time, however, I will also be holding a Christmas eve service within the Sheltered Housing Complex, which I visit quite regularly and I am so excited about this prospect.
I've also conducted three funerals within the last couple of weeks and when it is so close to Christmas, somehow, the effects of the loss seem to be more prevalent. God comfort and bless the bereaved.
I'm very conscious that they only time a lot of my residents will hear from family is at Christmas time - when they receive a Christmas card with the long letter inside telling the 'resident' what a wonderful year they've had with family and friends and so sorry that they haven't been able to visit - will try harder next year!! I know that's not the case with everyone but I suppose in my line of ministry it is what I witness... I would beg you, if you have read this far, please if there is a nursing home, residential home near you maybe you, or your church group or some friends, would consider visiting it once a month not too put on elebrate programmes but just to say 'hello' and to be there and listen to their stories.
I came across this poem written by Helen Steiner Rice during Christmas 1949 and I have used it over the last few weeks as I have spoken in various places... it says it all
I have a list of folks I know,
All written in a book;
And every year at Christmas time,
I go and take a look.
And that is when I realize,
That these names are a part,
Not of the book they’re written in,
But of my very heart.
For each name stands for someone
Who has touched my life sometime;
And in that meeting they’ve become,
The ‘Rhythm in each Rhyme’.
And while it sounds fantastic
For me to make this claim,
I really feel I am composed
Of each remembered name.
And while you may not be aware
Of any special link,
Just meeting you has shaped my life
A lot more than you think.
For once that you have known someone,
The years cannot erase
The memory of a pleasant word,
Or of a friendly face.
So never think my Christmas cards
Are just a mere routine,
Of the names upon a list,
Forgotten in between.
For when I send a Christmas card
That is addressed to you,
It’s because you’re on that list,
And whether I have known you
For many years or few,
In some way you have had a part
In shaping things I do.
So every year when Christmas comes,
I realize anew...
One of the biggest gifts that God can give
Is knowing folks like you!

As I have read the poem I have invited people to take a Christmas ball to hang on their Christmas tree either in memory of someone, or to make that effort to send the poem in card to someone who they haven't said 'Thank You' too for the impact they've had on their lives.
with every blessing,
Judith