“Do you remember me? I sat upon your knee. I wrote to you with childhood fantasies. Well, I’m all grown up now. And still need help somehow. I’m not a child, but my heart still can dream. So here’s my lifelong wish. My grown up Christmas list. Not for myself, but for a world in need.
No more lives torn apart, that wars would never start, and time would heal all hearts. And every one would have a friend, and right would always win, and love would never end. This is my grown-up Christmas list.”
– Linda Thompson-Jenner
This is far and away one of my favorite Christmas songs and Bryan Duncan delivers it beautifully! It communicates my sentiments perfectly. It is the kind of song that makes you want to curl up in front of the fire, drink warm apple cider, and solve the world’s problems. More than anything, it reminds me of all the hurting people in the world. How many desperately want love and family. It also reminds me not to take the blessings God has given me for granted.
No More Lives Torn Apart…
I think of all the individuals who hurt during Christmas time. I want so badly to make it right – to reconcile families. To heal wounds. To wave a magic wand and alleviate the gut-wrenching struggle. To bring loved ones back from the grave for just one more day of laughter and connection. To take away the stress of financial devastation.
It is frustrating to lack the ability to heal others, but I can do something. I can take a small step. I can pray, first and foremost, and I can reach out and offer my support when I see someone in need.
That Wars Would Never Start…
War does not make sense sometimes. Though I know it is important to fight for what is right, war always leads to devastation. In our human frailness, we reach out to God and say, “Why? Why must the world suffer? Why cannot all children enjoy the warmth of Christmas morning in front of the fireplace? Why must they be so well acquainted with war and loss?”
In remembering that I have been blessed with peace in my surroundings, I do not think it is enough to simply be thankful. It starts with thankfulness, but should that appreciation also lead us to give out of our abundance? I may never be able to stop a war from starting, or to save every child from heartache, but what can I do?
Can I help fund a project that brings clean water? Can I sponsor a child through Compassion, World Vision, or another reputable organization? Can I support ministries which are delivering the gospel and practical help to those nations?
And Time Would Heal All Hearts…
They say time heals all wounds. I do think time helps, but does time really heal? That is a question some would debate, but I am unsure of my answer. I suppose I believe some wounds can only be healed by entering Heaven; whereas, others do fade with the natural passing of years.
I wish time could take away every hurt my loved ones have experienced. As we wait for time or Heaven’s healing, we can place salve on wounds. We can love on people who need a shoulder to cry on, and we can provide help for people who are without. I do wish Christmas Day would bring healing to the broken hearted, but maybe God wants us to bring hope.
Everyone Would Have a Friend…
From a young age, Mom instilled in me a love for the underdog. It breaks my heart to see a child playing alone. When I was just a sprout, Mom asked me, “If you saw a girl sitting alone under a tree, would you play with her?” It is a question that continues to compel me and break my heart.
We cannot befriend the whole world, but we can befriend someone. Who needs you?
And Right Would Always Win…
It sickens me to see evil prosper, but we have hope!
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (ESV)
Right does not always win every battle, but we rest in knowing that God has already won the war.
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away’.” (Revelation 21:3-4, ESV)
And Love Would Never End…
We know God is love. God does not end, and thus, love does not end. Sometimes, our earthly attempts at love will fail. We will hurt and be hurt, but we can rest in knowing God’s love never fails. Even when we are battered and bruised, we can always turn to the one who loves us fully and eternally.
“For one will scarcely die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8, ESV)
“The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:8, ESV)
This is My Grown-Up Christmas List…
This song speaks volumes to my heart as I hurt with the ones who hurt. Waking up on Christmas morning to gadgets and toys is a blast; but, nowadays would you not rather wake up to a phone call from a friend saying, “He came home,” or a text message that reads, “Thank you for praying. God has worked out every detail and provided for me”?
This world is full of needs, and no one of us can supply them all; but, we can each give something. With each of us reaching out, we can be God’s hands and feet and show His love in a practical way.
What is on your grown-up Christmas list?