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Welcoming Words Newsletter    December 2023

By Debbie Sorensen

Well hello there! The good news for today is: Welcoming Words is an important way, for us to bring goodwill, to those around. During this Christmas season, we may hear an old holiday Carol, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Let’s explore how a virtue from that melody, can inspire us to be a “goodwill finder.”

Today’s Focus:  In these days of world chaos and despair, where can we find hope and any possibility of good? A simple heading about goodwill in a daily devotion grabbed my attention. I was directed to Ephesians 4:15-16, 22-32 in the New Testament. Goodwill reminded me of a long-ago hymn, “I Heard the Bells of Christmas Day.” I was spurred on to think, what can we do to make a difference. While seeking to do good is, not easy, it is possible, when we purpose to stand for what is right. We can each decide to do good. When we look to examples of good, there is indeed hope. God’s Word gives us directions to be a good finder.

The song, “I Heard the Bells…” was penned by, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the American poet, in 1863. He wrote in the midst of the Civil War. His wife had died two years before and his oldest son joined the Union army ,without the blessing of his father. Charles Appleton Longfellow, was seriously wounded in the “Battle of Mine Run.” Amidst the angst and heartbreak of the time, the elder Longfellow, concluded that hope would return and goodwill would prevail. What an example, he gave for generations who came after,  his time of travail.

Application: Consider taking a few minutes to pause with gratitude, for the goodwill others have extended to you. Think about the goodwill you have bestowed upon people you may have encountered recently. Give yourself five minutes to be quiet. Allow yourself to rest in a remembrance of goodwill you have received. Dwell on that. Take a few minutes to look up Christmas hymns. Google them if necessary. Share the messages of hope and good will with others. You could have the makings for the best Christmas gift ever.

Rather than scrolling  distressing news feeds, take a look at the definitions of good, goodwill and what a good finder is. Instead of being sucked into the vortex of the black days of cyber shopping craziness, take a breath. What is the cost-free gift you might desire above all else? A restored relationship? Consul from a wise and experienced person? Peace of heart? Fill in your blank. Select one intangible gift you long to receive. Decide how you might do something similar for another person. Goodwill seems inexpensive, but is really a priceless gift, indeed.

Why it matters:  There is so much at stake in our world. Instead of caving in, to the evil that seems to prevail, let’s step out in hope. Encourage people to do the next right  thing. When we seek to inspire hope, we may be encouraged by other goodfinders. This could be the year to listen to bells ringing within our heart and spirit. God is on throne. He is sovereign and shall see his good purpose worked for his people. His son, Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior of the world will once again come, at the appointed time, to save his people. Restoring goodwill to men.

Contact:  Debbie Sorensen at [email protected]