Longing for Community

Every year, the holiday season seems to start earlier—decorations go up and purchases are made in preparation for Christmas long before December. This shift can make the “Christmas Purists” uneasy, as they feel a sacred line has been crossed. But I believe there’s something deeper beneath the surface—a longing in the hearts of people.

Christmas is a generous, kind, and compassionate time of the year. We bake for our neighbors, shovel their snow, and take the time to truly see one another. It causes hope to rise where there’s been pain, lack, and loss. I believe we prepare earlier because we want that feeling to come sooner and stay longer. We have been created by a Creator to live in a community that serves one another in love. For many there’s no community and no help. For them this season can be very dark and lonely.

I can always tell when a guest is new to the shelter. They are cautious, fearful, and weighed down by all of their unknowns about the future. Within a few days, you see a smile, hear laughter, and see hope reflected on their faces and in their eyes. I’ve experienced many Christmas seasons at UGM as a volunteer. We pour what we have into our guests in hopes that they would know the community of our Savior for themselves. Not just for the precious time they are in our care but a lifelong rich experience of His generosity, kindness, and compassion in every season.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus gives an invitation to come be a part of His community. “Come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I know the needs of our guests are great and sometimes we just aren’t able to meet them. But there is great power in coming alongside someone to help carry a burden, provide an encouraging word, and especially to really see them as our Savior does.

Let us not grow weary in doing good but continue to be the light in this most holy season to show the way to the Savior of the world!

Let’s not just celebrate Christmas—let’s live it. Together, we can be the light in a world that so desperately needs it. Sign up for a volunteer overview and learn more about how you can impact lives and offer hope this season!