Neale
Donald Walsch wrote on Christmas Day,
I believe God wants you to knowthat
the
reason so much of humanity commemorates
this day is
that so much of
humanity seeks
to give and receive love.
During this
holy time, know that all times are holy,
That every religion
holds truth,
that each tradition
is sacred,
and that it is
in the simple sharing of love that
we make our
beliefs come alive, and our dreams come true.
Years ago, I was so into Christmas
that I had four trees in our house. We had the main tree in the family room, a
smaller table-top tree in the living room, a four-foot Victorian style tree in
our master bedroom, and a 3 foot tree in our daughter’s bedroom. In the main bath
the shower curtain was swapped out for a Christmas motif, the toilet seat cover
had Santa on it, and even the tissue box was in the style of a gingerbread
house.
Shopping and wrapping and baking
occupied every free waking moment for weeks and weeks….
What a welcome contrast to now hold
the awareness of this season as one about giving and receiving love.
Do you notice how much more
considerate drivers can be as the hustle and bustle reaches a fever pitch?
What about those who buy for a Christmas
family, have a tree planted in a national forest, or provide chicks or sheep
through Heifer International?
Over the past many years, as I have
found myself on a much more inner journey, I can see it all with appreciation.
I appreciate those who are true to what has heart and meaning for them. While
out doing the last-minute shopping for stocking stuffers with my daughter, it
was tender to remember all with love.
I remember the Christmas plays at
school, the candlelight services at church, the family dinners at with my mom
and dad and sisters and our kids. I remember the Christmas when I was five. My
dad’s boss provided our Christmas of previously-loved toys.
All these memories are precious
gifts. Nothing bought or wrapped or delivered compares. Faith, hope, and love—the
greatest of these is love.
As Neale Donald
Walsch finishes his message for the day:
Let this
Christmas Day remind us that Christ came to
invite us to
offer love to all humankind, and to
open the door
of God's kingdom to every soul.
Merry Christmas,
everyone.
