A Friend Loves At All Times

Each year at this time, we turn into caring, kind and giving people. For whatever reason, Christmas causes us to be more forgiving and we look for opportunities to share what we have with others. We suddenly overlook things that caused dissension during the year to give each other a pass. As a result, we are closest to what God wants us to be at Christmas.

As you read Edgar Guest’s poem, “At Christmas,” think about what you can do to hold on to those loving feelings toward your fellow man. Love is the key to peace and the solution to every problem in the world. Jesus loves us and if we in turn love His precious ones, we actually contribute to making this world a peaceful and better place.

A man is at his finest
towards the finish of the year;
He is almost what he should be
when the Christmas season is here;
Then he’s thinking more of others
than he’s thought the months before,
And the laughter of his children
is a joy worth toiling for.
He is less a selfish creature than
at any other time;
When the Christmas spirit rules him
he comes close to the sublime.

When it’s Christmas man is bigger
and is better in his part;
He is keener for the service
that is prompted by the heart.
All the petty thought and narrow
seem to vanish for awhile
And the true reward he’s seeking
is the glory of a smile.
Then for others he is toiling and
somehow it seems to me
That at Christmas he is almost
what God wanted him to be.

If I had to paint a picture of a man
I think I’d wait
Till he's fought his selfish battles
and had put aside his hate.
I’d not catch him at his labors
when his thoughts are all of self
On the long days and the dreary
When he’s striving for himself.
I’d not take him when he’s sneering,
when he’s scornful or depressed,
But I'd look for him at Christmas
when he’s shining at his best.

Man is ever in a struggle
and he’s oft misunderstood;
There are days the worst that’s in him
is the master of the good.
But at Christmas kindness rules him
and he puts himself aside
And his petty hates are vanquished
and his heart is opened wide.
Oh, I don’t know how to say it,
but somehow it seems to me
That at Christmas man is almost
what God sent him here to be.

“A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17

Prayer

Lord,

You are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in loving kindness to all who call upon You. Your Word calls for us to be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God the Father in You also have forgiven us. Therefore, above all, I will keep fervent in my love for others, because love covers a multitude of sins. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your lovingkindness remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord, I too will forgive anyone who has hurt or offended me. Give me the strength to not become bitter and hold on to grudges. I want to Your peace and joy to flow through me. Amen!


Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

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