Problems don't take breaks

This Christmas, more than ever, I've become aware that problems don't take breaks. Schools take breaks. Ministries take breaks. (We typically take two weeks off the honor our volunteers and encourage family time for students and parents.) Offices have holidays. Families take vacation. But problems don't typically relent.
This is the time of year when kids' minds are naturally turned toward family, memories, tradition, mystery and excitement. In the midst of these anticipations, the troubles of life seem to take on a darker hue in contrast. Division and divorce overshadow memories of mom and dad getting along and images borrowed from old photographs. Transition replaces tradition in the move from a home of memories to an affordable apartment. Bullies beat up the wonder and mystery of the God's story and stuff kids into the mold of the immediate; the here and now of troubles and trials.
This is the reality for many of my middle school students this Christmas. And for many of these same students, our weekly ministry is their bright spot. It's the caffeinated encouragement that they need to keep moving each week. While our two week break is necessary and even healthy, it does have it's downside.
But that too reminds me that ministry doesn't just happen on Wednesday nights between 6:30 and 7:30. Ministry is what happens when a volunteer sends a quick hand-written Christmas card. Ministry is a phone call from a small group leader saying, "even through we don't have youth group, I'm still thinking about you." Ministry is a text message that says, "you are special... I'm praying for you this Christmas." Ministry is dropping off a secret Santa gift to the kids who serve on the tech team or welcome team or set-up/clean-up team.
This Christmas, don't let your ministry take a break.