Editorial: Use this unscheduled time to seek, find and share Christ

If you’ve ever said, “If only I had more time this Christmas,” then this message is for you.

Most of us have uttered these words, and many of us whose work isn’t critical to our country’s infrastructure will find ourselves with this wish unexpectedly granted during the last of 2020 and beginning of 2021.

Some of us will be spending the festive season more quietly than ever before as we heed the pleas of our local and state leaders to stay in and do our best to keep COVID-19 at bay.

Whatever our situation and wherever we find ourselves as this extra time unfolds, we urge you to embrace the moments rather than resent them.

Others of us may be caring for ourselves, family or friends who have been ill and prayerfully are recovering — or perhaps looking after those who are most at-risk right now, such as the elderly or those who have long-term health issues.

Still more may be grieving this Christmas, desperately missing someone as well as the comfort we normally receive by sharing our loss — simply having someone present on whom we can lean. 

Whatever our situation and wherever we find ourselves as this extra time unfolds, we urge you to embrace the moments rather than resent them. 

Take that time, and use it well. Don’t fill it with mindless distractions in an attempt to hasten a return to normalcy. Invest it in areas that will make a meaningful difference in your own life as well as the lives of others.

The holidays often fly past in a blur of commitments, whether related to church, family, work, school or charity. These are worthy of our energy, and we no doubt will miss much of the merriment and good memories this year that typically come from watching children perform in Christmas concerts, hugging our church friends as we ring in the New Year or exchanging gifts with coworkers and enjoying a party where we don’t have to also clean up afterward.

But there is value, too, in the quiet spaces that allow us to listen and hear God …

But there is value, too, in the quiet spaces that allow us to listen and hear God: In looking up Scripture that will enlighten and comfort us. In praying for those who are hurting, celebrating or hoping. In following through on the prompting placed on our heart to send a note or make a phone call. In giving of ourselves and spending time on other people.

As we conclude this tumultuous year, our wish is that we all may seek, find and embrace the opportunities to share Christ and give of ourselves more. And may God continue to bless us all.

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