Let love abound

Some of my Christmas ornaments

I’m not sure why I always look forward to Christmas so much, but I do.  As the calendar rolls forward and the day draws closer, I want to put time on hold and continue to bask in the season.  I love the decorations, the scent of sumptuous feasts cooking, the Christmas plays featuring children, the get-togethers, the gift giving and the way that people tend to come together and lend a hand to one another.

I know there are many out there who don’t share my opinion of Christmas.  There are those who are grieving because they are missing someone, those who are hungry and can’t pay their bills, much less think about gifts, some are filled with bitterness and can’t find it in their hearts to celebrate much of anything.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could collectively reach out and hug them all, somehow make the season brighter for them?  That’s not possible, but we can do something, even if it’s something small.  It’s up to each and everyone of us to find out what that is; how we can help.

For me, Christmas has always been about the birth of our Savior and all that this event represents; the love, joy, hope and peace that seems to be shared more greatly among all during this season.  We tend to be more generous, show more compassion and make more time for one another.

I pray that this won’t change just because the season passes.  I pray that goodwill not only continues to abound, but that it increases,  that we will persist in our efforts to “pay it forward” and that our lives will manifest love, patience, mercy, and grace.