The reason for the season
Here’s an old story credited to anonymity. I have featured this material in this column a few years ago and I am bringing it out again. I hope you enjoy this.
As you read this you will find it easy to identify.
All the Christmas rush, party preparations, necessity of shopping and the terrible Christmas traffic would be more than enough reasons to make one stressed and possibly insane.
A woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children; after many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.
She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year – overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, get that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, make sure we don’t forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.
Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn’t take it anymore and stated, “Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot.”
From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, “Don’t worry. We already crucified him.”
The One who started this whole Christmas thing should constantly be in our every thought, deed, purchase and word. Do not allow commercialism to replace the significance of the season.
The following item appeared in a church newsletter and contains some good advice that will help us keep selfishness in check this Christmas:
1. Thou shalt not leave “Christ” out of Christmas, making it “Xmas.” To some, “X” is unknown.
2. Thou shalt prepare thy soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that thy soul is forgotten.
3. Thou shalt not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.
4. Thou shalt not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.
5. Thou shalt give thyself with thy gift. This will increase its value a hundred fold, and he who receiveth it shall treasure it forever.
6. Thou shalt not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.
7. Thou shalt not neglect the needy. Share thy blessings with many who will go hungry and cold unless thou are generous.
8. Thou shalt not neglect thy church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.
9. Thou shalt be as a little child. Not until thou has become in spirit as a little one art thou ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
10. Thou shalt give thy heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of thy Christmas list.
Anyone keeping these commandments is sure to have a blessed Christmas.
So let me greet you a Blessed Christmas and not “Happy Holidays” and hope that you and your family really enjoy the significance of the season.
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