Christmas! It is a wonderful time of year regardless of the weather, the bustle of shopping, etc. I have my reasons for saying this...
I am watching television a little more than usual lately. Probably because of the specials of the season, along with the fact that even the commercials make a good atmosphere while decorating or baking, etc. Today I noticed several commercials about traveling to visit relatives that haven't been seen for awhile.
Christmas brings families together. It shouts that we should lay aside our differences and exercise forgiveness. I know there are many who will remain estranged during the next few days. But perhaps something about Christmas will entice them to reconsider. There will be children with tears because they did not get what they had hoped. There are some that will not have enough to eat or any new toys for Christmas. But compassion is rampant during this season. Giving is a message more heeded this time of year. Those who might not otherwise think about giving to certain causes, do so. It does amaze me, however, that those who can least afford to give, by some standards, seem to give the most. I think they know how it feels to need, and to want something really badly, that seems unattainable.
It is interesting how life's hardships can make us more caring individuals. One family in our church decided to forego giving each other gifts this year, as they have plenty...instead, they gave the money they would have spent to the church's benevolence fund! What a great idea! They know how it feels to not have the means for a great Christmas...in terms of stuff...and chose to have a truly great Christmas.
So,one can give to the food banks, or Salvation Army, or churches, or the fire depeartments who have charities, to hospitals, to homeless shelters, or any number of causes. After all, Christmas should be about giving and not getting. It should be about humanity coming together in love and peace. That is, after all, what the Christ child desired to accomplish by His birth and life. Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards men.
Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and may the Spirit of the Season bring out the best in all of us!
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