"The church is made up of men and women who... lovingly pray 'Now God, this child of Your's is grieving and needs Your help. How can I help?'

I grew up in a church that made up baskets for the needy at the holiday season. Most of the time it was foodstuffs and perhaps a ham or turkey. We wanted everyone in our community to have a good dinner at least. As part of the 'peace on earth, good will to men,' we would care for those less fortunate. However, to my knowledge we never did anything specifically for the emotionally needy in our church or community. So some had full cupboards and refrigerators, presents around the tree, but empty hearts during the holiday season. We left them to get through the season the best way they could...

"A great privilege for us is to intercede for those who carry heavy emotional and spiritual burdens this season." (From A Decembered Grief by Harold Ivan Smith)

So during the festivities allow your sensitivity to find the one with the empty heart. Even a look that says, "I see you, I care," a moment for an extend hand-shake or a hug and certainly a prayer will help to bring the Light of the world in to the dark place of a dear one with an aching heart. Of course delivering a tin of cookies, a meal or a poinsettia, for someone in grief would be a wonderful tradition for any church group, family or person at Christmas time.

What you do matters.  I pray God strengthen you and grow your ministry of care so no one has to live alone with an empty heart.

Even the small light of a candle shines bright in the dark, like the birth of the Christ child into a world of darkness.

When we care, and help others care, for people in these ways, it matters.

Your life matters, 

Chaplain Dan
Rev. Daniel R. Hettinger
303.905.0478