As we look forward to Christmas this year, don’t forget that Christmas isn’t easy for some folks. Here are some to pray for (and even reach out to) this year. Your gift of love might make a difference.
1. Those who’ve lost loved ones in the past year. The first Christmas after a death is often hard. It’s certainly different when a loved one is not in the room.
2. Those who’ve suffered some other deep loss this past year. That loss could be something like a home destroyed by fire, a friendship broken by unforgiveness, a family shattered by divorce, or even a long-term job ended by a “pink slip.”
3. Those who have family members serving overseas as missionaries. Most families of missionaries I know are supportive of their calling, but it’s not always easy when kids and grandkids are time zones away on Christmas.
4. Those who have family members serving in the military away from home. Their reasons for being away from home are different from the missionaries in #3, but the family sadness at Christmas still happens.
5. Those family members who are serving overseas in various capacities. We should pray not only for their families here in the States (#3 and #4), but also for those folks whose callings and responsibilities have taken them far from home.
6. Those facing terminal illness for whom this Christmas may be their final one. None of us knows the Lord’s ultimate timing for us, but sometimes we have a good sense that the end is near. This Christmas celebration can be sweet and sad at the same time.
7. Those who have wayward children who likely won’t be home for Christmas. Those parents grieve, too, sometimes in unique ways. They cling to hope that this might be the Christmas for return and reunion, then weep when it doesn’t happen.
8. Those wayward children connected who won’t be home. God knows where they are, and He knows what they’re facing. All need our prayers, and their hurting parents will be grateful to know we are joining them in prayer.
9. Those caught in poverty. They want to give gifts to each other, but they cannot afford basic needs. The glitz of Christmas only magnifies their poverty.
10. Those pastors living in a difficult and painful ministry. At a time of year when they are to be leading their congregations to rejoice, it’s tough to celebrate. They often feel loneliness and despair they must cover up for a season.
Church Answers readers, would you take a minute today and pray for some of these folks? If possible, connect with them and let them know you’re praying for them.
Posted on December 20, 2022
Dr. Chuck Lawless is a leading expert in spiritual consultation, discipleship and mentoring. As a former pastor, he understands the challenges ministry presents and works with Church Answers to provide advice and counsel for church leaders.
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