Understanding the warmth of Christmas

By: Robert Stedman

    Chestnuts are roasting, children are caroling, stockings are hung, yep, that Yule tide feeling has eagerly begun! You know, the season when we're reminded of the charm in Bing Crosby's voice and the aroma of sappy trees fill our living rooms. We scamper around shopping malls searching for the perfect gift to give that uncle who makes us pull his finger. Children sit in a jolly strangers lap asking for presents, while aunt Marie moans about the gas she's feeling from the sausage balls. On the subject of food, does anyone really like fruitcake? It's a time of year when sometimes we seem to forget the true meaning of a holiday filled with joy.

    During Christmas, we should not only swell our bellies, but our hearts as well. Frequent trips should be feeding the homeless. Notes can be taken, as we watch "It's a wonderful life" for the hundredth time. It's not really about letting the kids slug it out over the new "hot" toy or spiking the eggnog, but about our savior.  Practicing the concept of less of me and more of you. Reflecting on dear loved ones who've past away and sharing their memory with the children who welcome the future. Tipping our hats to all the military who ate their Christmas dinner dreading the next echo of bombs. So much to be thankful for!     This is also the only time of year when I actually wish the temperature were in the teens. I've often dreamed of snowball fights and sipping wassail by a roaring fire. To get to the point, a white Christmas in Mississippi is a myth. You can forget that!

    Aside from mall jostling and weather desire, let's comprehend the true spirit of Christmas. We're celebrating the gift of family and friends through the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. The most important birthday in history! A season when the endearment he gives should be swept across our beloved nation. We reach out to the lonely, homeless, elderly, and disabled. We teach our children the importance of giving, even though they only look forward to the receiving. Their understanding of compassion will come in time. It's fun to sit back and admire the innocence as they rip through Santa's presents. I miss those days!

    Christmas comes and goes with the blink of an eye. If only the feeling could continue in our hearts for the remaining eleven months. Even though I may use a little trickery to ease under the mistletoe with the cute brunette, I finally understand the warmth and value of this most desirable holiday. As the chestnuts roast, children carol, and stockings hang, I wish you a blessed Christmas as we welcome the New Year with a bang!!!