Robert & Susan Martin - Kingston Prison Ministries
Incarcerated at Christmas
It shouldn't surprise anyone that incarcerated people struggle during the holidays.
Prison interiors and the grounds are far from festive and despite it being a noisy, crowded place, a dark cloud of loneliness can often creep into their hearts as they wrestle with the shame of their past remembering what could have been and longing for life to be different.
Christmas is a sharp reminder of what or who is missing and it's during this season that the constant separation and regret become especially painful.
Christmas Day in particular is difficult as many will not be allowed to have visitors. They have little option but to try and make the best of their present situation. And there are tears, tears of longing, but these tears are often shed in the shower so no one hears or sees.
Our chapel services and programs through the month are Christmas themed as we try to make the season as meaningful as possible. We schedule carol sings; bring in extra Christmas baking to share afterwards as we sit and fellowship together. We want them to know they are seen and that we are thinking of them. Being present with them is important.
We desire to encourage them that Jesus can also be present with them in their darkest moments in prison.
God, Creator of the heavens and earth chose to forsake His place of power and glory and come as an infant but also as our Saviour. What seems too good to be true God did and he did it out of love.
Christ’s birth is all about freedom, but not freedom as the world knows it. They can be set free to be transformed by the power of His Amazing Grace as they receive the new birth. They can be set free to live the abundant life.
The Lord Jesus offers them forgiveness, acceptance, hope and even joy. These can be the gifts to their heart deep inside where no one can take them away.
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope!
The weary world rejoices….”
Placide Cappeau
We wish you and your families many beautiful moments of celebration during this season. We celebrate the gift of our Saviour who came to reconcile us to the Father. How great was our need and even greater the gift of Himself.
Thank you for your interest and care for us over this past year. As we keep before us the promise of His return our desire is to be a faithful witness and to make disciples where He has called us.
Christmas blessings,
Robert and Susan
