Last summer I spent a month substitute preaching for a friend of mine. The last Sunday I was there it was pouring rain. One of the ladies in the congregation was wheelchair bound but still made it too every service. I marveled how she found enough energy to attend. Based on the weather I thought there was little chance of her showing up.

I was wrong. This was Communion Sunday. She would not miss breaking bread with the Lord even though her broken body would tell her to stay home in bed.

She arrived a little late and was soaking wet but still had a big smile on her face. When it was time for communion I went back to where she was sitting put a piece of bread in her mouth and told her, “The body of Christ has been broken for you.” I then helped her with the cup of wine and told her, “The blood of Christ has been poured out for you.” I kissed her on the cheek, gave her a hug and thanked her for coming.

Christmas can be a difficult time. The devil loves to dredge up our past failures. Maybe you are struggling with broken dreams, a broken heart, a broken relationship, flat broke or like my friend in a wheelchair a broken body.

Look up because there is hope. It’s time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. The world may be broken but you are not. Christ’s body was broken for you and Christ’s blood was poured out for you. Merry Christmas!

• broken