Desert Ministries - Omaha, Nebraska USA

The Christmas season brings with it the excitement of anticipation. We anticipate the arrival of family and friends, the giving and receiving of gifts, and even the Messiah. This season, I would like to ask you to please remember the people who are living in nursing homes. There are some 2 million people living in nursing homes in the United States. Chances are there is a nursing home not to far from where you live or work.

Fully one-half of those 2 million people will go through the Christmas season, feeling alone, even abandoned. There is no anticipation or hope in them. It's sad to think that the people who gave birth to us, raised us, and made sure that we had many wonderful Christmas memories are now forgotten. They deserve more.

Who are you waiting for? Santa? Family? The Messiah? A fresh start for 2008? Our nursing homes are full of people who are waiting too. Many of them have given up hope of anyone coming just to see them. I believe the best gift you could give this Christmas season is a little bit of your time, a small gift, and a visit to the nursing home near you.

You can do what I did 16 years ago. Look up "nursing homes" in the yellow pages of your telephone book. Call the one nearest to you, ask for the activities director, tell her/him that you have a gift you would like to bring to one of the their residents, and when would be a good time to come. That's it. It's not hard at all, and when you see the smiles of the folks you visit, and hear their frail voices say: "May God bless you," you will float out of that nursing home with the most incredible feeling of satisfaction that this Christmas you gave the best gift of all: hope.

May God bless you richly this Christmas season. (gift ideas)