We receive so many gifts at Christmas. Adults as well as children become victims of this overkill. As a matter of fact, it is quite an empty feeling to be presented with a gift that you don’t need, or something that you don’t want.
How many Christmas mornings have been ruined by toys that are obviously ignored and ties that go in closets never to be seen again?
It is even doubtful that Mary and Joseph, in their circumstances, had any practical use for frankincense and myrrh (well friends, it is probably true).
These comments regarding Christmas do indeed cast a wet blanket on the day that promises such wonderful things. However, Christmas has survived and will continue to survive because it fulfilled the basic needs in our lives:
We need to be noticed by others
To be liked
To be understood, and
We need a strong faith in God.
History recalls many outstanding men and women who have overcome terrible handicaps because of their underlying faith and their ability to be liked and understood by others.
We shall never know all the countless lives that have been saved from emptiness and despair by the Carols of Christmas and their message of gentleness.
So, play whatever part has been handed to you on Christmas Day. Be the loving Parent or Grandparent or child or friend that you were meant to be.
And may God bless us all this Christmas of the year 2002.