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At Christmas time, we delight in our celebrations, our gifts and our time with family. It’s the one time of year when there seems to be a little more joy in the air. While we tend to our meal planning, our shopping and our festive parties, let’s also tend to the women who may not be feeling the joy of the season.

Loving women facing an unplanned pregnancy is a beautiful way to honor Jesus during our celebration of his birth. For women who do not know Him, this is not a time to rejoice nor is it a time of peace in their world. As we become more mindful of the uncertainty and fear that weigh on a woman’s heart when she is pregnant and alone, we can better appreciate the predicament of Mary when she learned that she would bear a son and that she would call him Jesus.

A woman who is alone facing a desperate situation likely isn’t seeing her baby as a gift or a miracle or a blessing. It is our calling to show the love of God to her and make sure she knows she is not alone, nor will she be judged because of her baby. If given the opportunity, we must surround these women with love and acceptance, sharing with them the forgiveness of God and assuring them that Jesus gave His life for her just as much as everyone else. 

Maybe you don’t know a woman in this situation so you’re not sure how you can make a difference in this area. Do it through a genuine, kind smile when you see her at the store. Volunteer an afternoon at a women’s shelter and offer a listening ear and an empathetic heart. Take some cards to a pregnancy center with messages of love and acceptance to be given to the women who visit for help. 

Most importantly of all, remember these women in your prayers. Gift them that valuable place in your heart when you are calling out to God for blessings and assurances. Prayer is powerful and God has all the power. He answers our prayers. All we have to do is be faithful. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13