The need is always great within our communities, but the holidays seem to magnify the need.  While Christmas is a time for celebration, many will have a not so Merry Christmas.

This is an especially hard time for people who have experienced loss – the loss of a spouse, child, loved one, or even a treasured pet.  Our church has a service each December called the Service of Comfort. It is a time to remember and come together with others to share love and support. As a Stephen Minister, I volunteered to be available to bake cookies and stay and talk with anyone who needed a caring, listening ear.

For those with physical needs, there are many ways to volunteer and to give. This is a great time to give away some warm clothes and coats that are cluttering up your closet and not being used. Give some canned goods to a food pantry or volunteer to deliver a meal.

Get the family involved in the giving process. Volunteer with the Salvation Army to be a bell ringer. Many churches offer opportunities to help others through providing food, gifts, and support to others in need. Our choir supports a family each year.

I was at my dentist’s office today and the hygienist shared that both of her children were recently married. They received so many things that they didn’t want any gifts for Christmas. They suggested that they adopt a family to support. She told me how excited she was to be shopping for baby gifts, something she hadn’t done in years.

The greatest gift we can give is the gift of ourselves to others. Find a way to give of yourself this Christmas.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6