December 23

Reflections upon last week’s discussion reveal that my philosophy and behavior have been very Scrooge-esque, and while my thoughts and feelings are changing, I have a long way to go in changing. Honoring Christmas and keeping it in my heart the whole year through has come to have a different meaning that I and many others can embrace. Some of us may need the visit of the three ghosts: Past, Present, and Yet to Come (Future), and others of us do not.
God calls us to love our neighbors and others as we would love ourselves. (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:34 – 40; Luke 10:25 – 37). There are many ways we can honor or keep Christmas as the Lord calls us to do. Each of us can be attentive to his or her family members and friends. We can visit the sick in hospitals and listen to the troubles of strangers. Many children need tutors and mentors, and toys, clothes, books, and more. Homeless shelters, missions, and soup kitchens always reward the volunteers that come to them with that experience.
When volunteering at places like homeless shelters, there is usually some time to talk with and learn about some of the residents and their lives.
Submitted by,
Bill Williamson