Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

The holidays are quite nice to think about but do not always fit our circumstances. To some Christmas means nothing, to others it brings pain and heartache. The holidays should bring joy, but often simply remind us of broken hearts and dysfunctional families.

I hope that you have a great experience this year so I have a few things to share with you.

The best way to avoid broken families through divorce, remarriage and struggling with blended families is to live a life pleasing to God. This requires both parties (husband and wife) to surrender their hearts to the Lord. I strongly feel that all marriage problems can be resolved through complete surrender to the will of God, allowing forgiveness to flow freely in your hearts and your home. However, it does take both spouses to make this work.

There are so many sad situations where parents and children are separated during the holidays. Often families simply cannot sit together and enjoy a holiday meal at the same table. I hope you have not walked away from your children because I can assure you there will come a time when you will regret your actions. The family unit was given to us by the Lord going back to our beginning. When considering all creation our Father said everything was good except for one thing. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Gen. 2:18). The relationship established was between a man and a woman. Together they were directed to have a family. We are meant to be social creatures, and loneliness is not a good thing for us. Often those who choose to take their lives are alone, or at least feel alone and forsaken. God gave us families so that we would never be alone.

We have others with which to share life’s joys and hardships.

The words spoken by angels were these; “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). For peace this year why not invite the Lord into your life. Whatever your past or your present, He can give you peace this year, planting “good will” in your spirit. It may surprise you what He can do in your life. Give Him a chance this year and enjoy the best holiday season you’ve had in a long time!