The month of December is busy with preparations, and events around the holiday season. Shopping, decorating, visiting, baking and more. It is filled with emotion.
I have fantastic memories of the holidays as a child. I look forward to the holiday season because of it. But what if you don’t have good memories? Or aren’t able to celebrate with loved ones?
We endured the separation caused by the Covid Pandemic. Many of us have endured sickness and loss as well. But today my focus is not on recent past events, but further back in time.
In my historical novella, Mary’s Captivity my main character Mary Foster has been captured by Mohawks during the American Revolution. She spends her Christmas in captivity remembering past Christmases and praying. When her captor and new husband gives her gifts on that day, she is touched by his kindness but still has trouble forgiving him for the attack and her subsequent capture.
Christmas is not just about giving, but about remembering and showing Christ’s love to others. Even if, as Mary learns, one must forgive first. My prayer for everyone this holiday season is that we remember the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus, our Emmanuel, Savior of mankind. With a gift like that surely, we can open our hearts and forgive others, sharing God’s love despite the hectic noise of holiday preparations.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Janet Pierce's Writing Cafe 