Everywhere we look we see the familiar Christmas catch phrases. "Peace on Earth," "Goodwill to Men," "Joy to the World." What high hopes people have for celebrating a season filled with happiness and a sense of well being.
Most families have plans to gather together for food, fellowship, and gift-giving. A few will tolerate the antics of the relative everyone hoped to avoid while others will look around the table and count the blessings of warm relationships.
Yet for many people this will not be the case. Some families are torn asunder by wounds and old conflicts. Some people will spend the holiday alone, pondering the circumstances that contributed to that sad predicament.
I recently heard the story of a woman who was estranged from her daughter for many years. Hoping that Christmas will soften her child's heart, she plans a call on Christmas Day. Touched by both her pain and her courage, I was challenged myself to reach out to former friends and attempt to bridge the gap.
