12/22/2022
The mall is full of decorations. Santa Claus is surrounded by children who cannot wait their turn to tell him what they want for Christmas. Storefronts are decorated with trees, lights and ornaments. Choral groups sing carols while the Salvation Army bells are ringing. The air is full of spirit, but once in the parking lot, much of that is lost. Christmas must be more than just a commercial holiday. And I believe it is.
We know the story. Mary and Joseph traveled a great distance to Bethlehem to participate in a census ordered by Caesar Augustus so everyone could be accounted for and pay taxes. Mary was pregnant with Jesus and near the end of her term. She rode on a donkey with Joseph walking. When they arrived, Mary and Joseph discovered no rooms in the inn. Perhaps, there was no room for people like “them.” After all, it is hard to imagine a family of means and a level of prestige having to resort to sleeping in a stable full of livestock.
Life was the same for most Jewish peasants, yet Jesus was different. Jesus came into this world and showed us another way of life where love has no bounds. He commanded us to feed the hungry, find shelter for the poor, clothe the naked and cold, and care for our children. His life revealed the true essence of our creator.
Christmas people know that radical love is not an event but a way of living. Jesus showed us the true way and called us to love, live and serve―not just once a year, but every day we breathe. This Christmas, let's be generous with our compassion for others. There are many ways to do that. We can lift others up in our prayers, take some gifts to the nursing home, check in on our neighbors, drop off some food and toys to the Salvation Army, or give away your gently used coats and shoes to your local shelter. Even if you do not give spare change to the poor soul at the corner, you can recognize her as one of God’s children. May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts and souls!
Dan Pile
President/CEO
