Do you have a special Christmas blanket that you pull out every year? We have a few that we throw over the couches and chairs in the house. We enjoy them and sometimes wrap ourselves up in them.
For those of you who knit or make blankets using other techniques, I am impressed. I have been the recipient of a couple of really warm fleece blankets that my friend, Donna, made. She lovingly tied every strip on the edges and presented it to our family members. We were delighted, not only because we knew she worked hard to make them, but she also made them out of fleece that had our favorite football teams on them. She even made a couple of little ones for our granddog, Braxton! Thanks, Donna.
These blankets remind me of how the love of God surrounds us and covers us with His warm and unconditional love. His love is big enough to cover us when we are going through a big crisis, when our heart is hurting, when we are scared about the future or when we just want to shut out the world. We may have ragged edges, but His love and care for us is consistent and nothing can take it away. He has us covered.
I also think of the warm blanket of a healthy family; one where everyone feels loved, nurtured, and cared for. A family may have rough edges as well, but what a blessing to have our family to come back to, knowing they will love, encourage, and wrap us up in their arms.
Many families don’t have a warm family, but desire it. Could we, who do, come and wrap them up in love and care as we celebrate Christmas? Could we have them over for an evening or an activity during the day? Could we have an open house during the holidays where those who long for community and family could come over and enjoy sweet, warm fellowship?
“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
“The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17
So, as Christmas approaches, look around for widows, widowers, singles, single parent families, divorced or separated individuals, or anyone who needs a warm blanket of love and joy this season. Wrap them up in the love of Jesus and you will find that you will receive the biggest blessing because you heard His voice and put feet to it.
Now, let’s go get a mug of hot cocoa and wrap yourself up in a Christmas blanket and enjoy!