Today, I wake up and look around me and think of the many ways that we as a community see and share the spirit of Christmas, from the church celebrations as we celebrate the birth of Christ to those of us who believe that is the real reason for the season as I do, to the joy and laughter of children as they prepare for the arrival of Santa and his reindeer, the presents under the tree, the people who ring the bell for the Salvaton Army, the Goodfellows, the Toys for Tots programs, the Adopt-a-Family programs, the charities that ramp up their giving, the rescue missions in the metropolitan area who offer warmth and hope and food for the homeless and less fortunate, the beautiful christmas tree display in downtown Plymouth for those we have lost, the groups who visit and sing carols at the local nursing homes and so many other reminders of the season. They all reflect on something we share; connections with one another, families, loved ones, neighbors and our capacity to hope, to feel joy, to give joy and to love, protect and care about one another. I am feeling particularly blessed to live in a community with so many wonderful people who care so much about each other and about helping those less fortunate than we are; people who share desires for good things for themselves and each other. Merry Christmas from my family to yours with prayers for a blessed 2015!
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 16:43:23 +0000