One of my readers passed this along... I quite enjoyed it!! Pretty sad but at the same time, with all the comics, Blogs and articles being written about it this year you have to wonder if change is in the air.
There is a sense of threat in the air - a Damocles sword over our heads - sort of what what next (that sounds banal), - but scary things are happening all over the world;Biblical prophecies being fulfilled right before our eyes. Maranatha!
(I want to apologize in advance for the length of this response – it grew uncontrollably from a few thoughts I had.)
I actually have a nice story to share which I think really highlights that the spirit of Christmas is not lost in the secular world. This morning I got an e-mail from Sick Kids hospital asking if anybody was available to volunteer on Christmas Eve to help with crafts, stories, and music. By early afternoon a second e-mail was sent, stating that there had been an overwhelming response and that they now had enough volunteers for the event. This very same day I was also approached by a medical resident, asking if I knew who he could contact to come in and volunteer on Christmas Day. It was beautiful to witness others wanting to reach out and help make a child`s Christmas a little more special than a hospital bed and an IV pole.
I don’t mean to sound like I’m being dismissive of the overly vocal politically correct minority that are trying to squash anything holiday-related. This is indeed a problem (and an annoying one at that)! But I honestly believe that the secular world`s perception of the importance of Christmas isn`t necessarily as bleak as we may fear (but hey -- I`m an optimist). Today I was reminded that people recognize that it is a meaningful day, and I was touched to see them want to give of themselves so as to help others have a Merry Christmas.
I learned a wonderful lesson watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” again the other day. After stealing the Whos’ precious gifts, decorations, and food, the Grinch climbs up Mount Crumpit and puts his hand to his ear, waiting to hear chorus of “BOO HOOs” rising from the valley. “And he did hear a sound rising over the snow. It started in low. Then it started to grow... But the sound wasn't sad! Why, this sound sounded merry! It couldn't be so! But it WAS merry! VERY!” The Grinch had thought that by taking away everything associated with Christmas he could stop Christmas from coming. But he was wrong. He realizes that "Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
So I personally am choosing to see and experience the true spirit of Christmas -- the celebration of when Love came down to earth -- by focusing on the love I see around me. And I am choosing to be merry, even in the face of adversity against Christmas. I will continue to take in all the lights, decorations, festive storefront windows, and everything else that comes along with it -- I love all that stuff!! I will also continue to wish the people I encounter a Merry Christmas (unless I know for sure they celebrate something else, in which case I will extend the appropriate greeting). As for those politically correct nincompoops – well, I have yet to meet one in person, and if I do then I suppose I should tell them to enjoy their statutory day on December 25th, courtesy of Jesus. :p
Thanks for posting! I love hearing back and having conversations get going! You are right of course, it is only a minority of loud grinches... the issue comes with us. We need to be singing louder than ever this year, joining our hearts and our voices so that the grinches hear our 'Merry'. It is such a beautiful time of year and most people quite enjoy the lights, music and snowy landscapes, hot chocolate or mulled wine... you don't need to be a 'Christian' to enjoy the season... it's why Jesus was born to begin with... so that we would all be a part of the family, regardless of tribe or nation, jew or gentile. So, yes Alex, by choosing to enjoy the season, by choosing to send out the Christmas spirit and see the gifts of love offered out as evidence of the beautfy of the season, you in a sense or sending up 'Merry' from the valley and if we join our voices with you then our voices together with grow loud enough for the Grinches in the mountains to hear you.
There is a sense of threat in the air - a Damocles sword over our heads - sort of what what next (that sounds banal), - but scary things are happening all over the world;Biblical prophecies being fulfilled right before our eyes. Maranatha!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Irene
(I want to apologize in advance for the length of this response – it grew uncontrollably from a few thoughts I had.)
ReplyDeleteI actually have a nice story to share which I think really highlights that the spirit of Christmas is not lost in the secular world. This morning I got an e-mail from Sick Kids hospital asking if anybody was available to volunteer on Christmas Eve to help with crafts, stories, and music. By early afternoon a second e-mail was sent, stating that there had been an overwhelming response and that they now had enough volunteers for the event. This very same day I was also approached by a medical resident, asking if I knew who he could contact to come in and volunteer on Christmas Day. It was beautiful to witness others wanting to reach out and help make a child`s Christmas a little more special than a hospital bed and an IV pole.
I don’t mean to sound like I’m being dismissive of the overly vocal politically correct minority that are trying to squash anything holiday-related. This is indeed a problem (and an annoying one at that)! But I honestly believe that the secular world`s perception of the importance of Christmas isn`t necessarily as bleak as we may fear (but hey -- I`m an optimist). Today I was reminded that people recognize that it is a meaningful day, and I was touched to see them want to give of themselves so as to help others have a Merry Christmas.
I learned a wonderful lesson watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” again the other day. After stealing the Whos’ precious gifts, decorations, and food, the Grinch climbs up Mount Crumpit and puts his hand to his ear, waiting to hear chorus of “BOO HOOs” rising from the valley.
“And he did hear a sound rising over the snow. It started in low. Then it started to grow... But the sound wasn't sad! Why, this sound sounded merry! It couldn't be so! But it WAS merry! VERY!”
The Grinch had thought that by taking away everything associated with Christmas he could stop Christmas from coming. But he was wrong. He realizes that "Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
So I personally am choosing to see and experience the true spirit of Christmas -- the celebration of when Love came down to earth -- by focusing on the love I see around me. And I am choosing to be merry, even in the face of adversity against Christmas. I will continue to take in all the lights, decorations, festive storefront windows, and everything else that comes along with it -- I love all that stuff!! I will also continue to wish the people I encounter a Merry Christmas (unless I know for sure they celebrate something else, in which case I will extend the appropriate greeting). As for those politically correct nincompoops – well, I have yet to meet one in person, and if I do then I suppose I should tell them to enjoy their statutory day on December 25th, courtesy of Jesus. :p
Merry Christmas Laurie!!!
Alex
Hey Alex,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting! I love hearing back and having conversations get going! You are right of course, it is only a minority of loud grinches... the issue comes with us. We need to be singing louder than ever this year, joining our hearts and our voices so that the grinches hear our 'Merry'. It is such a beautiful time of year and most people quite enjoy the lights, music and snowy landscapes, hot chocolate or mulled wine... you don't need to be a 'Christian' to enjoy the season... it's why Jesus was born to begin with... so that we would all be a part of the family, regardless of tribe or nation, jew or gentile. So, yes Alex, by choosing to enjoy the season, by choosing to send out the Christmas spirit and see the gifts of love offered out as evidence of the beautfy of the season, you in a sense or sending up 'Merry' from the valley and if we join our voices with you then our voices together with grow loud enough for the Grinches in the mountains to hear you.
Merry Christmas Alex!