B-R-R-R Cold or Warm Fire?

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful…” begins the popular, classic Christmas song, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Many people love the outside Christmas scenes of pine trees, sleighs, and bright white snow, and the inside scenes of family gatherings with fireplaces, gifts under the tree, and a table loaded with Christmas dinner. We can almost smell the turkey and dressing, sweet potatoes, green bean casseroles, pumpkin pies, and all kinds of other foods baking.

This year many people will have traditional Christmas celebrations, but others will not celebrate Christmas as they did before. For them “Oh, the world outside is frightful.” Maybe they no longer believe in Christ. Maybe Christmas is now a time of remembering how things used to be before COVID, the loss a loved one, or some tragedy. Maybe they cannot exchange gifts due to financial or health problems. They may not feel any warm fire – physically or emotionally. This is a time of year when many people, including many Deaf, are lonely and discouraged. Maybe this year you can make someone’s Christmas more delightful. Consider these ideas. 1) Help at your local rescue mission – they need food, warm clothing, and people to volunteer. 2) “Adopt” a child or lonely adult into your family for the day. 3) Contact others by phone, video chats, or social media. Let them know you are thinking about them. 4) Visit, take a gift, and sing to someone in a nursing home. 5) Most importantly, share the real reason for Christmas — Jesus, who came to save people and give them eternal life. He will fill their emptiness. He will give them hope and a reason for living. He can change their lives, taking their eyes off of themselves and their situations. Jesus said the first commandment is to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart… soul… mind… and strength…. And the second is… Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mark 12:30-31).

The last verse of “Let It Snow!” starts with “Oh, the fire is slowly dying.” As Christians, let’s stir up the flames of our love for God and show God’s love by loving others. Let’s have a warm fire – especially this Christmas!