The appreciation
and gratefulness engendered by the Christmas season releases our senses to experiences
of joy. This childlike openness to
life’s joy is known as the Christmas spirit, receptivity to the divinity of
others and ourselves.
Soon after C.S. Lewis, the literary scholar and
children’s author, married Joy Davidman, his bride’s health began to fail from
a malady that was soon diagnosed as terminal cancer. Miraculously, a remission occurred. As his wife’s recovery progressed, Lewis
received congratulations from a colleague.
His friend suggested that God had answered Lewis’ prayers for a miracle. Lewis replied:
I don’t pray for miracles. I pray because I cannot help myself. I pray because I am helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me,
waking and sleeping. Prayer does not
change God. It changes me.
In the same
way, the holiday season does not change things.
It changes the way we look at things.
Instead of appearing when we ask for it, or when we expect it, or when
we pray for it, the spirit of Christmas flows out of us, waking and sleeping.
The holiday season helps us see the
kindness and gentleness in others. We
are more generous in giving, more liberal in praise. It gives us compassion for the downcast,
comfort for the mournful, mercy for the merciless, and blessings for the
peacemakers. The Christmas spirit makes
laughter contagious and smiles sincere.
May this holiday time of year bring joy
that extends beyond the season. May we stop worrying and begin living. Let us
replace complaining with appreciation Trade intolerance for acceptance. Transform
selfish ambition into humble service.
Instead of hoarding worldly things that
have no enduring value let us pursue joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Let us encourage the timid, help
the weak, and be patient with everyone. May we find the divine that lies within
us all.
No comments:
Post a Comment