“How easy is it for one benevolent being to diffuse pleasure around him, and how truly is a kind heart a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity to freshen into smiles.” Washington Irving
Christmas 2008 can be influenced by the harsh economic realities which confront so many countries and its people. In the developed lands, there are reports of high levels of unemployment and the loss of savings including pension funds, which affect the lives of many families. To compound the problem, many are losing their homes which were a significant investment/saving for the years ahead.
It is generally known that businesses enjoy the highest level of sales during the Christmas season. Indeed, many Companies depend on November/December Sales to lift them out of a loss position into levels of profitability.
Reports suggest that consumer spending has declined and it is having its effects on all business concerns whether retailing, manufacturing, hospitality, travel, etc.
It seems that economic activity has taken a downward trend and this Christmas season 2008 may not see the traditional/historic sales as consumers concentrate on necessities because they face an uncertain future.
YET, THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS IS SUCH THAT INDIVIDUALS HAVE THE CAPACITY TO EMBRACE, SHARE AND BRING CHEER TO OTHERS.
In our materialistic world, the mistake is often made to think of money as the sole mechanism to help others. That is a misconception. In many countries which have no claim to prosperity, people live happily and often enjoy that state of peace of mind which escapes many persons who enjoy excellent living standards and can lay claim to prosperity.
The desire to give, the commitment to helping others and the practice of sharing, come from those persons who cultivate and possess a generosity of spirit. They enjoy helping others. They see it as an opportunity to provide assistance and not linked to a platform or stage of having wealth, but associated with the little things of life.
As God’s children they regard giving or helping as an obligation based on Love which was taught by Jesus Christ and exemplified by Him whose Birthday we celebrate at Christmas time.
As stated in Acts 20:35 in the Holy Bible:
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’.”
May I give examples of ways to show kindness and love which are not related to prosperity
The Sick (Ailing)
Most of us will know of persons who were once very active but at this Christmas time, because of illness, may be restricted to their homes or even be hospitalized. Oh! What joy it will be to them to receive a telephone call from a friend, relative or past colleague, enquiring how they are and to spend some time discussing their problem and letting them know how much you care.
Surely that is an opportunity to give Christmas Cheer. The same can be done by visiting hospitals over the Christmas Holidays letting patients know you wish them well.
Bereaved Families
While many persons are preparing for Christmas, there are others who are, at this time of the year, having the sad experience of the death of a loved one.
It will certainly be comforting and helpful for persons to give words of comfort and expressions of support to bereaved families. It will be a source of strength and help to alleviate their pain and grief which money cannot satisfy.
That is the essence of love and kindness that Jesus Christ advocated. At Christmas, we are remembering Jesus and thank Him for giving us hope, love and courage.
Homes for the Elderly & the Orphanage
Here again, another opportunity presents itself to all of us to bring some form of Christmas Cheer to those, who throughout the year, may not have had the benefit of a home environment wherein family members interact happily and love blossoms.
Have you ever visited the Palms in Brickdam or the Dharm Shala in Albouystown? If you do, you would put a smile on the faces of lonely people. It will be a wonderful gift. It will be Christmas Cheer
IT IS MY VIEW THAT WHILE MONEY PLAYS AN IMPORTANT PART IN ANY SOCIETY, THERE ARE OTHER AVENUES AVAILABLE TO US OF A NON-FINANCIAL NATURE TO BRING HOPE, JOY, COMFORT AND SPIRITUAL STRENGTH TO OTHERS. IT WILL BE CHRISTMAS CHEER AND A WONDERFUL GIFT TO JESUS CHRIST – OUR SAVIOUR, ON HIS BIRTHDAY.
