When Christmas HurtsSample

For the past few days, we’ve been talking about the Christmas season, and how if it’s not what you expected it to be, that’s okay. And at the same time, there are ways to position our hearts during this time of year (and beyond) to keep an eternal perspective.

“Good King Wencenslas” is an interesting little Christmas carol. Maybe you’ve heard it. In short, it’s about a benevolent king who is giving a feast and notices a peasant struggling in the bitter weather outside. The king leaves the comforts of his house to bring the peasant food and firewood. He also takes his servant with him, who’s not exactly thrilled about going out into a blizzard.

Spoiler alert: In this Christmas metaphor, we’re the servant.

Jesus left the glories of heaven to go find the lost, the hurting, and the oppressed. When we follow Jesus, he invites us to go out into the world with him. We can’t very well stay comfy and warm inside the mansion when our king goes out into the cold and dark to care for other people. It doesn’t mean it isn’t hard. It doesn’t mean our own complaints aren’t valid. It just means we have work to do.

When we’re in God’s family, we bring God’s blessing wherever we go. And he’s given us a special assignment: we can’t keep the blessing all to ourselves - we must share it with others. The last lyrics of “Good King Wenceslas” challenge believers to use whatever they have to bless those who have less. This applies to everything, as God provides you with opportunities to demonstrate your love and wisdom. It could be something like voting for social initiatives or giving to charity. But it could also be something you might overlook. Do you have a car? How about a free Saturday? What are you prepared to share?

This is the attitude of hospitality, and Christmas is an excellent time to practice it. It’s not about having all of your extended relatives over and cooking five courses. It’s about leaving room for God to use you to include others. Maybe it’s inviting a single person or a student over for some family fun. Maybe it’s helping the elderly couple next door decorate their house. Or maybe you need to take the first step and get to know some people who look differently or live differently from you. Where are you going to take the blessing this season? Where might your King be asking you to follow him?

Take a moment to re-watch the film from day one. See what you might notice with this in mind.

The Christmas season often brings chaos, and sometimes we face disappointments amidst something special and sentimental. But when we offer what’s broken to God, we open ourselves up to finding beauty in unexpected ways. Not only does God have blessings he’s waiting to give us, but he’s waiting to bless others through us, too.

Reflection: The passengers’ impromptu Christmas dinner was only possible because Sam took the first step and extended friendship to Theo. This single act made a safe place for everyone to join in, be vulnerable, and contribute. What are the fears that often keep us from taking the first step and extending belonging? Who is someone that you might be able to share your blessings with this season?

Prayer: Read through this prayer, and either pray through it yourself or let it inspire your own words:

Lord, you have given me so many blessings, even if I don’t always realize it. I know that they’re not just for me alone, but that there are other people who might need exactly what I have. Help me see where you have given me room to be hospitable, generous, and vulnerable with others, so that all of us can have what we need. Please help me not to let awkwardness, pride, or fear get in the way, but give me wisdom and love to accept and appreciate people for who they are. Amen.

By the way, want more from Wonderhunt? Visit wonderhunt.co for more films.