Presents For Christmas - Pay it Forward
As we approach the Christmas season, "the most wonderful time of the year", we are usually overwhelmed with all that has to be done to make this Christmas the "perfect one.
" Of course we know in our minds that there is no such thing as a perfect Christmas, but in hearts many of us still hold out for one.
The shopping, decorating, entertaining, baking, etc seems to get more demanding each year.
For some by the time Christmas Day is close the thought is "I'll be glad when it's over.
" There is little or no joy in our hearts; we have forgotten what we are really supposed to be celebrating-the birth of Jesus.
During the Christmas season we send and receive cards with the message "peace on earth, good will toward men, and sing carols with the same sentiment.
Yet, what do we do that helps accomplish this worthy attitude? Too often we tend to think that peace is something that only diplomats and politicians can bring about.
I love the line "let it begin with me" in the hymn "Let There Be Peace on Earth.
" This Christmas season could be one where we do something that would make a difference.
Maybe we can't sign a peace accord but perhaps we can make a difference in our little corner of the world.
Sharing a little joy with someone may be just the place to start.
I recently read of a family, who for a number of years, have celebrated a unique version of The Twelve Days of Christmas to share their joy with.
Each year they choose a family or individual to honor during this time.
Then starting December 13 they wrap up a simple gift and put a line of greeting with it.
They take the gift to the chosen one and leave it at the front door.
They then ring the doorbell and very quickly run away.
The gift has no sender's name on it so the recipient doesn't know who sent it.
This is repeated every night until December 24 when the sender lets the recipient know who they are.
At this time they encourage the recipients, who are always delighted with what has transpired, to do the same thing for someone the next year.
There are so many things we can do to spread joy.
Giving presents we purchase in a store is not the only way we can spread joy and goodwill toward our fellowmen.
Often, the most important thing we can do is give our time.
Many people are troubled and or lonely and just need someone who will take the time to listen to them.
A simple note or card to a homebound person can brighten the dreariest December day.
A smile or a friendly hello at the grocery store may be the only real communication with another person someone has all day.
The Christmas season is also a good time to mend relationships that may have gone awry.
It really doesn't matter who caused the rift, if it bothers you then you can be the one to try for reconciliation.
One person can make a difference; if we are trying to spread peace and goodwill then we can sing the carols and send the cards really meaning the words.
" Of course we know in our minds that there is no such thing as a perfect Christmas, but in hearts many of us still hold out for one.
The shopping, decorating, entertaining, baking, etc seems to get more demanding each year.
For some by the time Christmas Day is close the thought is "I'll be glad when it's over.
" There is little or no joy in our hearts; we have forgotten what we are really supposed to be celebrating-the birth of Jesus.
During the Christmas season we send and receive cards with the message "peace on earth, good will toward men, and sing carols with the same sentiment.
Yet, what do we do that helps accomplish this worthy attitude? Too often we tend to think that peace is something that only diplomats and politicians can bring about.
I love the line "let it begin with me" in the hymn "Let There Be Peace on Earth.
" This Christmas season could be one where we do something that would make a difference.
Maybe we can't sign a peace accord but perhaps we can make a difference in our little corner of the world.
Sharing a little joy with someone may be just the place to start.
I recently read of a family, who for a number of years, have celebrated a unique version of The Twelve Days of Christmas to share their joy with.
Each year they choose a family or individual to honor during this time.
Then starting December 13 they wrap up a simple gift and put a line of greeting with it.
They take the gift to the chosen one and leave it at the front door.
They then ring the doorbell and very quickly run away.
The gift has no sender's name on it so the recipient doesn't know who sent it.
This is repeated every night until December 24 when the sender lets the recipient know who they are.
At this time they encourage the recipients, who are always delighted with what has transpired, to do the same thing for someone the next year.
There are so many things we can do to spread joy.
Giving presents we purchase in a store is not the only way we can spread joy and goodwill toward our fellowmen.
Often, the most important thing we can do is give our time.
Many people are troubled and or lonely and just need someone who will take the time to listen to them.
A simple note or card to a homebound person can brighten the dreariest December day.
A smile or a friendly hello at the grocery store may be the only real communication with another person someone has all day.
The Christmas season is also a good time to mend relationships that may have gone awry.
It really doesn't matter who caused the rift, if it bothers you then you can be the one to try for reconciliation.
One person can make a difference; if we are trying to spread peace and goodwill then we can sing the carols and send the cards really meaning the words.
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