Will This Be a Good Christmas? 546.2
Will this be a good Christmas? How will you measure it?
To lots of kids, the answer may be embedded in the response to the question: “Whaddja get?”
On the other hand, retailers and Wall Street investors will look to sales and profits.
What a pity that the spiritual and social potential of this a holiday can be so easily lost.
Of course, Christmas is a profoundly important day of worship to devout Christians, so a “good” Christmas must include a meaningful religious connection with the teachings of Jesus.
But for many Christians and non-Christians, there are other dimensions to this day.
In fact, Christmas is more than a single day; it’s a season involving weeks of preparation and celebration devoted to family, friendships and, most important of all, a grand vision of “peace on earth and goodwill toward men.”
To me, a good Christmas is one that helps us become better people so we can have better lives and a better society.
On a personal level, the optimism, good cheer, and goodwill embodied in the Christmas spirit are antidotes to selfishness and superficiality. They can help us find purpose and meaning in love, kindness, charity, gratitude, and forgiveness.
On a social level, a good Christmas is one where we can say we’ve made meaningful progress combating homelessness, hunger, and poverty. It would also be a good Christmas if we truly overcame the fears, suspicions, and prejudices that may be hindering our expression of goodwill to all men, regardless of their ethnicity, national origin, or personal religion.
So regardless of your religion, I hope you’ll make this Christmas a good one.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
Thank you for positive imformation. I'm to give a short inspirational to our UP-WARD Basket Ball during half-time at our church.Do you have any suggestions for me.
Thank you!
Posted by: Dot Beason | December 26, 2007 9:59 AM
Here are my suggestions for the gift-giving dilemma. For large families, draw names for anyone over the age of 10, so that everyone only has the burden of buying and expressing thanks for just one gift. Children under 10 can receive small gifts, like a book or CD. Spending too much on gifts diminishes the holiday and promotes materialism. I think employees should be given gifts of cash or grocery store gift certificates. These are truly useful gifts that are universally appreciated and completely appropriate. It's not necessary to give business associates gifts, and I would eliminate that burdensome practice altogether. In my family, we give homemade or other modest gifts, like home-baked banana bread or a crocheted scarf. We've never had much money, and our holidays are as warm and wonderful and anyone else's. My kids don't expect or miss lavish gifts. Another idea is to go as a family to serve meals at a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving or Christmas before going home to your own feast. You can take turns, so some are serving and some are preparing at home. This will hopefully foster appreciation for what you do have and empathy for what others don't. One more suggestion is to buy small gifts throughout the year and stockpile them until the holidays. That way you can truly put thought into what you give. As for thank-you's, set aside one day, perhaps January 2, to write ALL thank-you notes. Then take a moment to think warmly of those who chose those gifts for you. Thanks for your wonderful commentaries. You do truly meaningful work.
Posted by: Dianne Nitzahn | December 28, 2007 10:23 AM