The True Meaning of Christmas

Early this morning I spoke with a friend who was having a case of the Christmas blues. I have never been an overly zealous person when it comes to Christmas, but I do know of something that does make the Christmas blues go away- giving. This was my advice to her: Find someone in need and give them something. It doesn't have to be big or expensive. Just give them something to let them know that you care. And it doesn't have to be someone you know. Jesus did not know all of us when he died for all of our sins.

Each year, Gavin and I have headed down to the mall to give. We have picked a name of a child in need from one of the Christmas trees around Santa's village. We have bought the child all that he/she has wished for and sent the gifts to him/her. This year, we were not able to do this. With Gavin not having a job this year, we have struggled to take care of our own needs, much less anyone else's. But then, something happened. As the rain has poured and the temperature has dropped, I noticed a child in my class. She was wearing socks with flip flops and shorts and t-shirts. I grew concerned. I spoke to the school counselor about this child and we started to learn more about this child and her family. They had been without power for weeks, and had just gotten it cut back on. They had no idea how they were going to have a Christmas. The mother was walking to the school to volunteer in classrooms. I knew that something had to be done. I started talking to my mom about this child, telling her the family's situation. My mom came up with the great idea of getting others to help. She contacted her closest friends and asked them to donate anything that they could. I wasn't expecting much considering today's tough times. But, I was surprised. These people came through like I have never seen before- donating clothes, shoes, money, gift cards, and whatever else they could. Someone even donated $100 to the family's power bill. It was amazing! I truly feel blessed to know such wonderfully generous people! So, yesterday afternoon after school, Gavin and I took all of these gifts over to the family's house. I told the family that the gifts were donated to the school, and that we (the faculty and staff) felt that their family needed them. The mother cried tears of joy and the entire family gave us many hugs. It was one of the best feelings I have ever felt in my life! It definately verified the true meaning of Christmas in my heart, and I hope that I am lucky enough to be able to take part in an experience like that again!

(Just some of the gifts that were donated to the family.)