More than any other time of the year, Christmas is meant to celebrate and demonstrate our gratitude to God for the birth and life of Jesus Christ. It should be a time of reflection, hope, and giving in a way that shows God’s love. It’s truly a precious season, but for those who are single and looking at spending it without a significant person in their lives, it can be a struggle. Colossians 3:15 (NLT) offers us a solution: “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” This is instruction that we must follow to a tee.
Peace doesn’t depend on our circumstances or the presence of others; it comes from our blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When his peace rules in our hearts, it gives us a deep, unshakeable joy. For many of us, this is our dilemma. We haven’t discovered the true peace that Christ brings, because of this, we might be searching for it in another person. Christmas is an invitation to experience divine peace, knowing that we are deeply loved by God and that He is with us in every season. As we reflect on His gift to us, we can also give back to others through kindness, service, and gratitude. Whether single or in a relationship, this season is about remembering that our greatest gift is the peace and love that Jesus offers to all.
Our hearts should swell with compassion for those that don’t have friends or loved ones to spend the holidays with, but God doesn’t want us to allow the feelings of loneliness to overshadow our true purpose all year round. He provided a glimpse of this reality in Matthew 5:14 (NLT), “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Have you ever just allowed your mind and heart to be overtaken with thankfulness and gratitude, knowing that God has made us lights of this world through Christ? Reflecting this reality through our conversations, thoughts, feelings and actions is what makes life truly meaningful.
The cynicism of the world would have us to believe we’re hopeless and that faith in God will not work. It whispers that God will not intervene in the struggles we face, that our dreams will never be realized and that we’re on our own in this chaotic world. This simply isn’t true. When skepticism is taking over our thoughts, we need to overpower them with the promises of God’s Word. He speaks a different truth—a truth that assures us that He is ever-present, all-knowing, and able to do far beyond what we can imagine. In Romans 15:13 (NLT), we’re reminded: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Our Heavenly Father is the Source of hope! So, we’re not talking about a fleeting wish or the temporary feel-good the world offers. Hope in Christ is a sure thing—a firm, unwavering trust in a God who is faithful to His promises. Even when the world tells us to give up, God calls us to hold onto His everlasting love and let His hope fill our hearts. God’s Word will transform our doubts into confidence that He’s always on our side, and He cannot fail. Faith in God doesn’t guarantee a life without struggles, but it does promise that His peace and presence will sustain us through them all. The world may try to tell us that faith doesn’t work, but those who trust in God know that His love never fails, and His hope never runs out.
In John 12:46, Jesus declares, “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” This truth gives life to us! It reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world, and now, through God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, his light dwells in us. We need to let it shine, especially during this time of thankfulness and celebration of his birth. Times are perilous, this is true, but we must not allow the enemy to put a basket over our shine. Jesus Christ has made us lights of God’s wondrous glory. Because of him, we’re those lamps that are placed on a stand, “where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Be sure to remember this, not just during the holidays, but every day.
God hasn’t forgotten about you. His plans include the absolute best outcome for your life, even if you can’t always see it. Don’t get caught up focusing on who you may or may not have in your life right now. Instead, look for ways to be a blessing to others. When you express your gratitude through your actions, you’ll be amazed at how God opens doors for even more of His goodness to flow into your life. Whether we have someone special in our lives, or we’re still waiting patiently for the fulfillment of this blessing, let’s all make it a point to shine brightly. The world desperately needs to see the love of Christ, and we get to reflect that light in everything we do. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Under A Basket or On A Stand”, written by Kim Times, edited by Rev. Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.