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“God makes a home for the lonely…”  —  Psalm 68:6

 

To our family, the definition of JOY can easily be related to Ps. 68:6. In 2009, we brought Cristina Hope Birchfield home from an orphanage in Moldova (formerly part of the Soviet Union). As we watched her assimilate into our family, we saw God transform a shy little toddler into a fun-loving little girl that loves her family and life itself. She finally knew what it was like to have parents read her a bedtime story, tuck her in bed, kiss her booboos, and help plan her future.

Needless to say, Hope’s first Christmas was very special but not for the reason you may think. It was not the presents, lights or decorations that excited her; rather, it was the gathering of family throughout the season. The gift of family brought her so much JOY that first Christmas with us. She had gone from an orphan with no family to a much adored little girl with grandmothers, grandfathers, cousins, aunts, uncles and even two great-grandmothers that loved her dearly. It brought all of so much JOY to provide a home and a family for a child who had been considered “one of the lonely.”

A couple of months ago, from out of no where, Hope simply said to me, “It is not good to be alone.” Of course my thoughts went immediately to Psalm 68:6 and I thought of all the orphans, widows and strangers that are lonely without a family and unaware of the JOY that comes in knowing Jesus Christ. Therefore, I am encouraging all who read this to give a special gift to Jesus this year on His birthday.

 

 

 

Ask God to lead your family to someone who is lonely such as a widow, orphan or stranger who is without a family. Once He does (and He will), begin to think how God would have you minister to this person. It might include committing to pray for them, inviting them into your home, providing Christmas presents or bringing them to the Living Christmas Tree. It could mean becoming a foster parent in 2012, making the decision to adopt, investing your time in becoming a friend to an international new to our city, or reaching out to a widow. Whoever God brings to you remember that God has placed within all of us a need for a family.
 

 

Merry Christmas!