To bring back the ‘Love’ into Christmas, we must reach out
to those around us that are in need of that Love. Very often, these people are our own family
members. It’s easy to miss the signs because
these are people we see day in and day out, so much so that we take their
presence for granted. It’s easy to get
caught up in the daily routine of rushing to work or school, meals eaten in a
hurry or in front of the TV, everyone going about their own business, phone
calls with friends or colleagues, time spent ‘socializing’ on the internet,
that we forget to even notice our own family members. We know they’re there, we know each one has a
role to play, but how many of us stop and notice the "un-obvious"?
- a tired mother who’s been slaving in the kitchen all day long. All she needs is a warm hug or a “thank you Mum, the dinner was delicious” to rejuvenate her tired spirit.
- a moody teenager who’s struggling to make friends at school due to a lack of self-confidence. All he needs is a reassuring word from his Dad that in life’s ups and downs he will always have the love & support of his parents no matter what, to make him feel like he can conquer the world.
- a melancholy Grandfather who’s feeling more & more useless every day as his strength & faculties start to fail. All he needs is remembrance from a child or grandchild of a warm moment shared in the past, to make him feel loved & needed.
It doesn’t take much, just small thoughtful acts of kindness
every day to make our family members feel loved & appreciated. And there’s no better time to start than
during the blessed season of Christmas. Those
of us who are away from our families for the better part of the year know that
this is a time we look forward to most, that we long for, because NOTHING in
this world can keep us from going back home for Christmas! Being away from your family gives you the
space and the time and the opportunity to miss them, to realize their value, to
reminisce and to appreciate every precious moment spent with them. But we must try to do this even if we see
them every day!
It’s undeniable that Christmas brings a special feeling of
joy, peace and hope to the world. That
is the miracle of Christmas. That is the
legacy of Jesus. It’s up to us to keep
that legacy alive! In the words of a
popular song –
“Don't get so busy that you miss, Giving just a little kiss, To the
ones you love
Don't even wait a little while, To give them a little smile, A little
is enough
How many people are crying, People are dying... How many people are
asking for love
Don't save it all for Christmas Day, Find a way To give a little love
everyday…”
Merry Christmas to you & your families, or in other
words, spread the love!
