January 3, 2024  – the Tenth day of Christmas —“Comfort One Another” — The Twelve Days of Christmas

“Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out:

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,  make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” Isaiah 40:1-4

One of the things many people have trouble with today is determining how to comfort someone. Why do I say that? Well, with so many people worried about personal space, and what is deemed appropriate for close contact, it is important to ask permission before approaching someone to give them comfort. It is an extra step that is required today, and often a reason people do not want to get involved emotionally. Have you ever wondered what you should do to comfort someone and worried that you might do the wrong thing? I have. But I would like to encourage you to seek that permission – because asking permission is always better than doing nothing.

Do something. Be present. Say something. Listen. Hug. It may not come out perfectly, it may not be the absolutely perfect thing, but it is something. In doing or saying or being or listening or hugging, you are telling that other person that you love them and you are in it with them. And don’t look to try to fix it. That is not always helpful. Just establishing a connection with another human being is something and is comforting.

On this tenth day of Christmas, we all can use a little help from our friends. It will take becoming vulnerable, opening ourselves up to opportunity, and trusting G-d.

Let us pray:

Lord Christ, You promise us comfort – and you challenge us to be comforters. Help me to remember to turn to the scriptures and see what G-d has to say about offering comfort to one another.

Pastor Dave