Fulfilling Christ's Law
Jolonda Lowe
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NIV
We are now deep into the holiday season. I think for a lot of us, especially older generations, this is a tough time. It can be tough mentally, emotionally, and financially. Colder weather also highlights seasonal ways to help carry the physical burdens of others. I want to take this time to give a few ideas of how we can do that this Christmas season:
1) See if someone you know is going to be alone for the holidays.
With COVID there are even more people who are alone for the holidays this year. You might be able to invite them to your home or provide a meal for them. You could also make them an encouraging card and remind them you are there for them. This can help ease the burden of being alone for the holidays.
2) Reach out to those you know and see if they need help shopping for the holidays.
There may be people that either need someone to shop for them, or need help carrying the financial burden of the season. We can help keep older generation folks safe by shopping for them, and we can help ease their minds when it comes to the financial aspect of gift giving and preparing a meal.
3) See if there is a need for winter weather clothing or help paying for heat.
I’m not sure where you are, but in Massachusetts it is getting cold. One way we can help those around us is by providing cold weather clothing. We can buy clothes, make scarves and hats, or donate from clothing we no longer need. We can also reach out to see if there is a need to help with heat. A lot of older folks are on a fixed income, so I’m sure having to have the heat on all the time does not help.
Jolonda, a YES! board member, serves as Worship Coach at Grace Church in Avon, Massachusetts.
These are just a few ideas that I came up with, but of course I don’t live in your neighborhood. So I want to challenge you to look at your community and fill a need — to share the burdens of others this holiday season. It will not only be a help to someone, but it will fill you with joy as you bring glory to God in doing so.