Dear Friends,
What is the meaning of Christmas? There isn’t just one answer, of course. And I’ve heard a lot of folks this season describing what they think, and it can be helpful— even important—to slow down a bit during this season and to ask ourselves, “What is the meaning of Christmas for me?”
I’ve heard a lot about family. I agree that Christmas is an important season to make time to be with family. To practice hospitality and to welcome family members into our homes, and deeper into our lives.
And of course, I’ve heard a lot about gifts. Gifts are good. I believe part of the meaning of Christmas is that we have received, and we continue to receive, far more gifts from God than we could ever deserve.
What about blessings? One of the most powerful things I’ve read this week recommended we silently bless each person we come into contact with today. I can only imagine how I, too, have been blessed by others when I didn’t even know it.
As I look upon all the various types of nativity scenes, my thoughts dwell on the baby Jesus, “the reason for the season.” I ponder how scared Mary and Joseph must have been, as extremely young, first-time parents. But throughout the ordeal they survived with hope—much like our Five Talents program partners survive hunger, trauma, and extreme poverty—and God provided. God still provides this hope today. And that gives me hope.
So, this year I think I’ll focus on the hope Christmas brings as the meaning of the season for me. Will you join me in celebrating the hope that Christmas means to all around our world?
Until next Monday morning,
Dale Stanton-Hoyle,
Executive Director