What's Your Christmas Wish?

I've been giving some thought to: If I could give a gift to the world or any one person, what would that be? That is a pretty big order, and one which took some soul searching. (But before I reveal my final answer, I'd like anyone reading this blog to add a comment and tell what you would wish or give).

Of course, there is always the generic answer of world peace. That's nice, but it doesn't address the total human condition. We could have world peace and there would still be want, poverty, injustice, etc. Mankind (in general, but not everyone) would still be greedy, untruthful, envious, self-centered, etc. So you get the drift.

Next, I thought of compassion. That's nice too, but compassion without action is pointless. We shake our heads at the homeless in the street and maybe even say a prayer on their behalf. We have compassion and feel very sorry for them, but then sometimes simply walk away. We also feel the pain of those dying from hunger or thrown into prison or murdered for political or religious reasons. But what do we do?

I thought about contentment. It didn't take long for me to realize that contentment isn't the answer. Do I really want people to be okay with the wrongs in this world? Do I want those in abject poverty to be contented with their lot? Do I want those who suffer daily injustices to be okay with it? Do I want people to be complacent and not try to make this world a better place for their fellowman? No. That's not the right gift either.

Then I thought, maybe I would eliminate suffering. Who could argue with that? But would we know how to behave without suffering? Would others still try to inflict it, but the recipients just wouldn't feel it?

Also, without some adversity, we would never appreciate what we have. Bad days only make us appreciate the ones that aren't. Also, without adversity and suffering, would we care and try to alleviate that for our fellowman? One of the greatest pleasures in life is to do something good for someone else. If there were nothing to do, would I be as grateful for my blessings, and would I have the enjoyment of sharing them?

And then it finally occurred to me. There is only one gift that would encompass all of my singular attempts at happiness and goodness for individuals as well as the world...LOVE. That is the only thing that can change the heart of man to strive for goodness.

Love brings peace, contentment, compassion that leads to action, and while it doesn't eliminate suffering, it makes it easier. Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to "love one another." At Christmas, God truly gave the world the best gift of all. I can't think of a better wish.

So what's your idea of the perfect gift?

An Ah-Ha Christmas Moment

I'm unsure of where it came from, but just as I was going to sleep last night, a revelation occurred - there is a difference between celebrating Christmas and celebrating Jesus' birth! Duh! That may not sound profound, but for someone who thinks in secular versus non-secular, it was surprisingly quite provocative.

Most Christians are aware of why we celebrate the season and the true meaning of Christmas, but isn't it remarkable that so many others "celebrate" it too? For one short period of time, many understand the best of what Christmas means in caring for, and having good will for those in need.

Of course family togetherness is also a part of Christmas that non-Christians define only as intimate family, while Christians see family as including the brotherhood of man. It's just unfortunate some don't recognize why all this wonderfulness of Christmas came about. Still, I'm thrilled anytime anyone acts to improve the lives of those less fortunate, even if it might only be for a short time.

Recently, I wrote a children's book called An Afternoon with the Christmas Angel. Although I intended it to be available this year, I decided to wait in order to add additional illustrations and changes. I want it to be perfect. It's seasonal, but also timeless, so one more year will not affect its marketability.

The story is about a little boy who still believes in Santa, but is in dire need of finding out what Jesus' birth has meant and still means to the world. It's awareness of the fact that much of what is right with this world is, in fact, due to the birth of Christ. After all, it was Jesus who stressed brotherly love, caring for each other, peace and justice. Too bad, even some Christians, fail to follow his teachings.

In any case, Christmas is a time for all mankind to rejoice. It's a time of giving, not taking, and for understanding the humanity that binds us all. That alone is worth celebrating, but as a Christian, I'm going to celebrate a lot more than just that, and for a lot longer than just a season.

Merry Christmas (and I'll be saying that a lot more in the ensuing 3 weeks)!