Today, we are surrounded by stressful issues like the economy, war and politics. So it's good to remember that the most precious gifts we have in this world, aside from our faith, are family and friends. Such a reminder might help keep us grounded in what is truly important during the holidays, because nobody likes losing friends over business, politics or religion. The daily reminders of such a breakup are painful.

The Bible shows us a good example of an everlasting friendship between two young men, David and Jonathan.

"David's feats in the Old Testament granted him a favored position in the court of King Saul, which was further strengthened by the personal affection felt for him by Jonathan, Saul's oldest son."

But suddenly, Jonathan's own father sought to destroy David (1 Samuel, 18:6). It's tough when family members do not approve of our friends. But in this case, Saul had no good reason to stand on; it was pure jealousy.

To help him through this dangerous time, Jonathan told David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord" (1 Sam. 20:41-43).

I believe our understanding of how God works in this world can strengthen friendships. It's a joy to be able to talk about God with our friends without fear of losing the friendship. It also helps us through times of separation.

I would think that most of us have friends whom we see once a week, once a year or once every few years. When David left to escape King Saul, he was separated from Jonathan for about 10 years. Do loyalty and shared faith with our Jonathan-type friends persevere in times of absence and stress? (Proverbs 18:24) Do these friends keep us grounded in the love of God?

During this season, let's take care of our friendships. If we can't afford much in these economic times, then offer a friend your time. My experience is that when we genuinely value a friend, we tend to lose track of time when we are with them.

It's been said, "To realize the value of one year, ask a student who has failed a final exam. To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby. To realize the value of a second, ask a person who has survived an accident. Treasure every moment you have."

After we eat our share of holiday treats and re-evaluate the value of our time, maybe we should be singing, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," along with the more common Christmas hymn, "O Come, All Ye Faithful." Jesus gives us time to hear our sins and our grief. Should we not do the same for each other?

O come, all ye faithful friends, let us spend time together, for God's love is to come down on Christmas Day and mark the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

The Rev. Darren T. Galindo is pastor of Windward United Church of Christ in Kailua. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.