Sharing the Peace of Christmas in a Busy Season
Throughout the season of Advent, we often feel like we’re rushing through the holiday frenzy of shopping, decorating, or baking. This leaves many of us wondering how to re-focus and shift the holiday emphasis from gifts and cookies to truly honor the message that Jesus, the Prince of Peace brought to the world. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
How do we as Christians live out our faith during the holidays and bring Jesus’ peace to others during a busy season?
Caring Network is a non-profit, charitable organization in metro-Chicago serving women and men going through unplanned pregnancies. We provide practical resources and services to help equip them to choose life for their babies. We walk alongside them offering continued support throughout their pregnancy and beyond the birth of their child. Our affiliated baby banks, often run by local churches, provide the families of our seven pregnancy centers with free material goods like diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, baby clothes, and more. Our women’s centers and baby banks rely on the funding, material goods donations, volunteer hours, and prayers of our individual supporters, surrounding communities, and churches. If you and your family would like to learn more about how to get involved in our mission, reach out to us today!
Sharing Peace With Those Facing Unexpected Pregnancies
There are a multitude of ways to slow down and spread the love and peace of Christmas to bring help and hope to expectant women and men in need, who often find themselves alone, anxious, and afraid.
Diaper Drive
Organize a mini-drive and encourage your family and friends to pick up extra diapers, wipes, infant formula, or baby clothing while they are out doing regular Christmas shopping. Collect these at your home and drop them off at one of Caring Network’s baby banks. Or initiate a baby goods drive at your church or kids’ schools and be the volunteer driver to drop the goods collected. These goods will help alleviate one of the major stresses these families face – the financial challenges of providing for an unexpected baby.
Volunteer
Check out Caring Network’s list of volunteer opportunities and use your gifts to serve our moms and babies (fill it out now to get started in the new year!). We have lots of ways to get involved and share your time and talents (once a month or once a year).
Join a Committee
Does your church have a Respect Life committee? These groups focus on supporting the sanctity of all human life. This includes everyone from the unborn to the elderly – any human being who is defenseless and cannot help themselves. Many elderly adults are often alone during the holidays and would appreciate a phone call or a visit- and could be a great place to drop some of those baked goods! Check out where the closest nursing care facility is in your community and share some love.
Light a Candle or Pray
Set aside time in the busy day to bring peace to your own life while you focus on praying for those who need it. If you have an Advent wreath, light one of those candles and spend some time with the Lord. Caring Network has a prayer list that is emailed out regularly and offers specific prayer intentions for our expectant moms and families. Reach out here to be included.
While the holidays are definitely busy, it is common to feel like we get sidetracked by the extensive “to-do” list. But Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to bring peace to the world. On the night of Jesus’ birth, the angels proclaim the good news to the shepherds, again emphasizing the peace that Christ would bring: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men (Luke 2:14, KJV).” By slowing down, and sharing love, in simple ways, you’ll bring peace not only to others who need it, but you’ll also experience your own peace of mind, knowing you’ve honored the real spirit of Christmas.
To help bring peace to those facing an unexpected pregnancy this holiday season, Caring Network is here to help. Connect with us for practical ways you can serve families in the Chicagoland area!
