In these last few days of Advent, we are preparing for the arrival of the promised King of Kings, the Emmanuel or God with us.

There are celebrations of concerts, Advent services and of course the annual parades, craft fairs and business celebrations to get the attention of the harried shoppers getting the best deals of the seasons.

At the same time, there is a hidden and silent group who cannot find happiness in the season. These people are suffering from devastating health and mental issues, and those who are saddled with grief from loss of loved ones. These people cannot rejoice in the celebrations because they have no energy or interest to even participate in the holidays. Many of those suffering can’t wait until the calendar rolls over to the new year.

How can we serve this population? How can we reach these good people who just need help? Remembering what Jesus told his followers in Matthew 22: 37-39:

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Loving our neighbors at Christmas may be easier with the joy and happiness, and the spirit of giving, but we need to bring this spirit to flow throughout the entire year.

As a member of the Rome Clergy Association, I would like to see our members working alongside organizations and local/county/state and federal government offices to help our fellow travelers on this earth.

During this season of Advent of the Christ child, we hope that you that you all will look out for those which Jesus calls “the least of these” and do as he asks us to do which is to “love our neighbors as ourselves.”

If you have feelings of grief, and want to hear what the Word has to say to you, I would like to invite you to attend a couple of services.

This Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m., the First Baptist in Rome (301 W. Embargo Street) will hold a Blue Christmas service with myself and Pastor Shawn Hast.

On Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church on Court Street, Rome, will be having a Longest Night/Blue Christmas with Rome Clergy.

We hope that you will take advantage of these services or speak to your pastor for information where to go, if you or someone you love are having a rough time this season.