This week I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
I love this time of year. I love spending time with family and friends. I love the excitement and anticipation that my kids have. But mostly I love the spirit of good will that people have this time of year.
One of the Christmas’ that I remember most was when i was 18 years old. This was the Christmas that I learned about the power of spirit of Christmas.
When I was in high school, I decided that our DECA club needed to do something that brought us together and provided service. As we discussed it, one of the girls suggested we provide Christmas for a family who needed it. We all got on board, soliciting donations, money, and food. With a monumental effort, we showed up Christmas Eve at the front door of a tiny home in downtown Denver with three SUV’s packed full of Christmas. We had toys, candy and clothes for the four kids, food to fill their pantry, and some money for the parents.
As we brought in the first presents I set them down next to a tiny, modestly decorated Christmas tree. Under the tree there were already two presents. I read the tags and knew that they were not the names of the children in the family. Curious, I asked the father about them, and he said. “They are for two of our neighbors who don’t have any money for Christmas.” I said, “But you don’t have any money for Christmas.” He said, “I know, but serving makes us happy, and that makes for a great Christmas.”
I hope all of you can feel the spirit of Christmas this week.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
One Response
really enjoyed your recent talk at belterra in florence, in. i wanted to get a copy of the poem that you showed to us. any way you could send to me on email?? tks. john