Christmas is less than a week away. Exciting, right?! I know I am so looking forward to spending time with friends and my church family. I hope you have some fun plans for this holiday season.

While it is so easy to get caught up in all this hustle and bustle that Christmas had become, it is also easy to forget that people are not as lucky as some of us. In the midst of wrapping presents, cooking, and of course writing cards, I must remind myself to slow down and think and pray for those that have less than I.

I am lucky to have such an amazing church family. I am blessed to have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my belly. It has become almost too easy to forget that there are people in my town who are having to stand on the corners begging for money just to get by…let alone afford anything for Christmas. I am blessed to have friends who love me for me, I sometimes forget that there are people who feel alone. There are people out there that need a warm embrace, or even a simple smile. Sometimes, all people need to know is that someone cares about them.

There are people out there who are going to wake up on Christmas morning with no family or friends surrounding them. There are people out there that will wake up cold and hungry, and there are kids that are going to wake up with nothing under the tree. These situations are becoming all too common.

It is my hope that this Christmas season that you slow down and think about and pray for those who are struggling. It is my hope and prayer that you thank God for your blessings, even if you don’t think they are enough. I pray that you love those around you. Finally, it is my prayer that you remember to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas: Giving to others in need, remembering those in need, and remembering Jesus and all He gave so we could live.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Years!

Much love.