Be First

To steal a line from Charles Dickens, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."Such is Christmas for many of us. It is the best of times for those of us who celebrate the coming of our Lord to live among us. But it is often the worst of times for many who find that this season magnifies the needs in their own lives.

Some can't buy gifts for their children because of financial needs. Some experience great emotional need as they find themselves alone for the holidays.If this season is magnifying profound need in your life, I want to encourage you with the words of Christ. "Give, and it shall be given unto you; a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing in your lap."

If you find yourself alone and in need of love, be first in offering love to another. If you find yourself in need of compassion and understanding, be the first to offer understanding and compassion to another. If you find yourself in need of forgiveness, be first in extending forgiveness to someone who's wronged you. If you find yourself in financial need, be first in meeting the need of another.

In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, "It is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. Lord, grant that I might not so much seek to be loved as to love."

Merry Christmas!!