In these final days before Christmas, as the days seem to rush by, it is easy for the noise, the last minute preparations, and all the hustle and bustle to drown out what this season is truly about. Advent, the season of quietly awaiting the Messiah, is a season that calls us to be watchful, prayerful, and expectant—a time of waiting for the coming of Christ, not just a time for a countdown to shopping deadlines, presents under the tree, or packed schedules.
Before the shepherds heard the angels, there was silence. Before the manger, there was waiting. Christ entered the world quietly, humbly, and to come for the poor, the weary, and the overlooked. It is with this in mind that we offer a warm suggestion.
In the midst of the bustle, we invite you to pause—if only for a few quiet moments—and turn your heart outward. To take time to think of others the world over who can use prayers. Christmas is not fulfilled by what we receive under the tree, but, by the One Who came for us, and how we respond to that gift, how we share it in the days and months to come.
Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him – Psalm 37:7
As you find those small pockets of stillness, we encourage you to remember in prayer those who are struggling, lonely, or carrying heavy burdens this season:
- Those who will spend Christmas alone
- Those who have recently lost a spouse, child, parent, or dear friend
- Those grieving their first Christmas without someone they loved
- Families experiencing their first Christmas since separation or divorce
- Those who are battling chronic illness, pain, or disability
- Families with special needs family members
- Those facing serious diagnoses or long recoveries
- Those struggling with depression, PTSD, anxiety, or despair
- Those who feel forgotten or unseen
- Women, spouses, family suffering from infertility
- Expectant mothers and their families experiencing a miscarriage
- The elderly in nursing homes or living alone
- People in the hospital, and their families missing their presence
- Widows and widowers
- Empty nesters, with their first holiday with and empty house
- Kids away at college who can’t make it home to be with family
- Single parents doing their best with limited support
- Families under financial strain
- Parents worrying about providing gifts, food, clothes, or warmth
- Those without stable housing
- The homeless seeking shelter in the cold
- Those living in cars, tents, or temporary arrangements
- Those fleeing violence or persecution
- Refugees and displaced families
- Victims of abuse or domestic violence
- Children in foster care
- Expectant mothers in difficult circumstances
- Those trapped in addiction or in recovery
- Those in prison or detention
- Families with loved ones incarcerated
- Our soldiers deployed far from home
- Military families missing a son, daughter, spouse, or parent
- First responders working through the holidays
- Doctors, nurses, and caregivers who rarely get a break
- Those working long hours just to get by
- Farmers and laborers facing uncertainty
- Small business owners under heavy pressure
- Those burdened by debt
- Those facing job loss or unemployment
- Those feeling hopeless about the future
- Those estranged from family
- Those who feel distant from God
- Those who want to believe, but are struggling to trust
- Those quietly carrying guilt, regret, or shame
- Those who long for reconciliation or forgiveness
- Those who have lost their faith, or fear they have
- Those who have no one praying for them
In these quiet moments, a simple prayer matters and can mean so much to someone needing a touch of grace, a bit of encouragement from above. A kind word matters. A card, a meal, a phone call, or a small act of generosity matters. Christ came not to be only celebrated this one day from afar, but to touch our lives in every way…to be imitated, loved, and carried out to the world…into the streets, into the everyday. We encourage you, friends… in the midst of the busy, take the time to say something encouraging to another, to smile at someone you pass by. Reach out and wish others a “Merry Christmas”, be a listening ear, to let someone you encounter know they are seen, and someone cares.
This Christmas, may we slow down enough to remember why He came—and who He came for.
We appreciate you, friends. Thank you for being a part of our community here. God bless and keep you! John, Sarah and Family
“For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” – Psalm 62: 5-7
Thank you for sharing this, very meaningful. Thank you for the quick delivery of my seeds, I’m a first time customer, so glad I found y’all. I definitely will be a continuing customer and share with gardening friends. May all of u have a Merry Christmas and Happy, safe New Year. Gods blessings to all.