Christmas Spirits

Apologies for the delay......

Around seven is my favorite time of night. The church bells ring out, spilling melodies onto the streets and for just a moment, all the action of the day seems to stand still as the people quietly listen to the crisp chimes of the bells. A moment of peace in a world of chaos.

Lately, the bells have begun to sing out Christmas carols. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Lights are beginning to illuminate windows, rooftops, and shop doors. Garlands and red bows adorn street lamps and railings, and homemade snowflakes and mistletoe hang from ceilings. Outside it smells like pine- down the street men from Canada have brought freshly cut trees. All the major department stores have decorated their window displays with bright colors and scenes from all our favorite Christmas stories, and somewhere on 34th Street walks great St. Nick. Carols hum through the streets, and amid the hustle and bustle you can see the presents neatly wrapped in bags picked out with care. The entire scene of the city is enchanting.

But my favorite part is the spirit of Christmas. True, the tones of stress and holiday anxiety can be caught among the carols, but there's an overlying positivity in the air. Amidst all the chaos there's a feeling of excitement and togetherness. A feeling of love.

I have absolutely loved spending this time at my worksites. The women are so excited about their gifts to their babies, and my kids at the preschool could not be more excited for Santa (and the birth of Baby Jesus, of course). Their favorite song is "Santa Clause is Coming to Town," and they all have a strong fixation on the "gonna find out who's naughty or nice" line of the song. It's amazing how quickly they begin to behave when there's a threat of coal in their stocking.

Last week, I had the great joy of taking them to Macy's to go see Santa.

I cannot begin to convey the strength of their excitement. Every year, Macy's puts on "Operation Happy Children". Kids from underprivileged schools are able to come meet and receive gifts from Santa. It's a truly remarkable gift to the children. This opportunity generously given to the children made the biggest difference to their Christmas' this year- I know this because I was able to experience the looks of pure joy and delight on their faces. And it was these looks that reminded me of what this season is absolutely about: giving. The gift of giving, the joy brought to others, the understanding that there is always something to give, and the recognition and awe of the gift of Christ. The gift that Jesus came to Earth as a human and the vulnerability of that baby- a vulnerability my children remind me of everyday. What an incredible sacrifice for us. And what a gift to be reminded of that sacrifice.

So as this season continues, I thank God for my numerous blessings, the opportunity He has given me to serve, and the ultimate gift- His Son, whose birth we celebrate this Christmas season. Much joy and many blessings to you and yours. Merry Christmas.