Christmas—A Time of Giving
Linda Weaver Clarke
December 18, 2006
Christmas is a season of giving, a time when we show our love to others. During this season, how many times have we thought about giving of ourselves? The importance of serving others can never be over-emphasized. The measure of our love shows in what we do for one another. How many times has someone needed us but we felt too busy to help? Surely buying a gift is much easier, but sometimes just being there and being supportive can bring so much joy to others, and in some cases better than a tangible gift. There are many opportunities to help those who are feeling down, depressed, or alone, and need our support.
The Seattle Special Olympics only had nine contestants that were ready to run a 100-yard dash; all of them were children that were physically or mentally handicapped. When the gun sounded, they took off, each one hoping to win the race. Joy filled their souls, as they thought about the reward up ahead and how proud their parents would be if they were the one to win. Every parent and relative cheered them on, calling out their names and encouraging them. One of them would be able to display their son or daughter´s trophy in their living room for all to see.
As they ran, nearing the finish line, one small boy stumbled and fell to the ground. Upon hearing the boy weeping, the eight contestants slowed down and looked back. Their hearts went out to him and each one of them turned around and went back and helped the young boy to his feet.
A girl with Down´s Syndrome kissed him on the cheek and said, "This will make it better."
All nine contestants linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Every one in the Stadium stood and cheered with tears in their eyes.
What really matters in our lives is helping others win. It is not where we serve, but how we serve, and we must serve with love. We have our rewards when we serve, rewards that will bring us great joy.
In 1945, a young soldier sat in the trenches, trying to keep warm. There were many wounded from the battle during the day and it was Christmas Eve. His comrades were blue and depressed. Everyone was thinking of home, their loved ones, and sweethearts, just wishing the war to end. The young soldier could feel their needs and his heart went out to them. The only gift he could think of to give his comrades was to sing, hoping to uplift their spirits.
The young soldier began singing "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" with feeling and fervor, and every note was clear and beautiful. Everyone stopped what they were doing and listened. Next he sang "Silent Night," and continued singing one Christmas song after another. Every one listened, including the enemy. The hearts of everyone were touched and there was no battle that night but complete silence for the exception of one lone voice singing songs of Christmas.
Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the historical/fiction/romance series: "A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho." To learn more, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.
The Seattle Special Olympics only had nine contestants that were ready to run a 100-yard dash; all of them were children that were physically or mentally handicapped. When the gun sounded, they took off, each one hoping to win the race. Joy filled their souls, as they thought about the reward up ahead and how proud their parents would be if they were the one to win. Every parent and relative cheered them on, calling out their names and encouraging them. One of them would be able to display their son or daughter´s trophy in their living room for all to see.
As they ran, nearing the finish line, one small boy stumbled and fell to the ground. Upon hearing the boy weeping, the eight contestants slowed down and looked back. Their hearts went out to him and each one of them turned around and went back and helped the young boy to his feet.
A girl with Down´s Syndrome kissed him on the cheek and said, "This will make it better."
All nine contestants linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Every one in the Stadium stood and cheered with tears in their eyes.
What really matters in our lives is helping others win. It is not where we serve, but how we serve, and we must serve with love. We have our rewards when we serve, rewards that will bring us great joy.
In 1945, a young soldier sat in the trenches, trying to keep warm. There were many wounded from the battle during the day and it was Christmas Eve. His comrades were blue and depressed. Everyone was thinking of home, their loved ones, and sweethearts, just wishing the war to end. The young soldier could feel their needs and his heart went out to them. The only gift he could think of to give his comrades was to sing, hoping to uplift their spirits.
The young soldier began singing "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" with feeling and fervor, and every note was clear and beautiful. Everyone stopped what they were doing and listened. Next he sang "Silent Night," and continued singing one Christmas song after another. Every one listened, including the enemy. The hearts of everyone were touched and there was no battle that night but complete silence for the exception of one lone voice singing songs of Christmas.
Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the historical/fiction/romance series: "A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho." To learn more, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.
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