Today my husband and I will travel over the mountain to visit friends in Luray for lunch. Our friendship grew out of our connection through the Chesterton book club. Over the years it has deepened and we always laugh a lot and commiserate a little when we get together.
As I was thinking about our plans this morning, I sent up a prayer of thanks to God for friends. Not just casual acquaintances, but those who become friends of the heart through shared values, love of God, appreciation of family, and (very helpful) a sense of humor even about the tragedies of life.
Writing Christmas cards also especially brings friends to mind. Even those we see and hear from only occasionally and, perhaps, were close at particular seasons of life bring a warm feeling as I think of them: the friends there during hard times, the friends who shared joys, the friends who reached out when one of us was sick. What a panorama if, like God, who is perpetual NOW, I could see all the mountains and valleys of life at once with all the friends of each season gathered around me.
True friends are, indeed, a sturdy shelter in this cold world. And our best friend is Jesus Who is with us and in us at all times when we are in the state of sanctifying grace. If you need to go to confession, don't wait. He wants your love for Christmas. He's sending His angels to call you to the stable like He did with the shepherds. Let us all run like they did to see the newborn King.
Come, Lord Jesus, dwell in our hearts and let us see the world through Your eyes. This Christmas help us to love everyone with Your love, especially those in most need of it.
May Jesus Christ be praised, now and forever.
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