As we celebrate God’s love and His greatest gift to humanity, the gift of Himself in the Christ Child at Christmas, may we always be reminded to share our love and the gift of ourselves with those among us who are aging and infirmed. So often, they face the pain of isolation and loneliness and these feelings are easily elevated during the Christmas season when our elderly find themselves without the opportunity to share the joy of the season with loved ones. Whether isolated by circumstance of illness or family dynamics, these individuals need and crave our presence to help them come to a celebration of the true meaning of Christmas.
We can be that gift of God to them. We can be that Christ Child in the manger made flesh to them. We can be the “glad tidings” that the angels sing of – when we visit with them and show our love to them. Whether known to us or strangers we have yet to meet, we can bring the Spirit of Christmas alive in their hearts.
So, let the greatest gift we give this year be the gift of ourselves to someone who is lonely. Give ourselves, even if for a brief few moments, to someone who will find joy in the light of our presence to them. Be that gift that brings the greatest smile. That brings freedom from the hidden pain of isolation. Take time to share this Christmas with an elderly friend, neighbor, stranger, parent or grandparent and that same spirit of the joy of Christmas will then come so alive within our own hearts.
We at VITALity, whose mission it is to bring peace and healing to those among us who need assistance during the struggles of aging, wish you and your loved ones a very peace-filled and joyous Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness, love, and a new found joy in your relationship with an elderly friend or family member. May the Christ Child, born in the humility and isolation of the stable, stir our hearts to bring His love to so many others in need of joy and peace this Christmas and throughout the New Year.
God bless you with peace and all good things,
Deacon Jerry
