January 3, 2025 — the Tenth day 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

“Can I give you a hug?” Sounds like a strange question. But in 21^st century America it can be tricky to maneuver our way to providing comfort to someone. Why do I say that? Well, with so many people worried about maintaining personal space, it is important to ask permission before going in for a hug. 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 perfect thing, but most of the time doing something is better than doing nothing. In doing or saying or being or listening or hugging, you are telling that other person that you really do care. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

Pastor Dave