CHICAGO - So Thanksgiving is over and
the Christmas season has officially begun. While it seems that
Christmas has been pushed up as early as Halloween, well it has.
And what about Thanksgiving? If you
have looked around lately, it was gone in a blink. And instead of
centering on the true meaning, the focus has become concentrated on
shopping; black Friday, this and that. And as I age I have become
more disappointed in the season. We have forgotten what the season
should truly represent.
First and foremost, it is the
celebration of a very special birthday – that of Jesus, who was
born in a manger to a couple so poor they could not afford even to
get a room at the Inn. Mary and Joseph shared the joy of the arrival
of their child with the animals, the stars in the sky and one very
special star.
That star called to and guided three
kings to the place of His arrival. They brought with them the very
first gifts that had the same meaning then as they still do today.
The first gift was of gold to represent kingship on earth and to
shower riches upon the rumored arrival of a savior.
The second gift, frankincense, used as
incense to signify His priestly role. Today, frankincense is used
many as a natural cure and relief for a number of ailments from
arthritis to other sorts of pain. Frankincense just might be the very
most important of those first three gifts as we are still finding out
more about this gift.
The third and final gift, Myrrh, was
used as an embalming oil. It signified Christ's death and embalming
as life has a beginning and an end.
At this time of year, we are to
celebrate the joy of the season and reflect on the past years events.
It is also a time to remember loved ones that have left us. We should
share stories about them with our children as this will keep our
dearly departed loved ones alive not only in our hearts, but will
give our children a feel for who they were and what they have left
behind.
As we age and share these family
stories with our children, take a step back. Take stock of what mark
you are leaving behind. For example, the Christmas seasonal TV shows
and movies are upon us. Many of us grew up watching the animated
staples, “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”, “Frosty the Snowman”
and others. These are not just classics; they are in a sense a legacy
that is handed down to our children and then to the grandchildren.
The actors that voiced these animations
were stars that while growing up we watched on TV and in movies. They
were actors, singers and musicians whose voices will live on forever
and will find a place in the next generations hearts and childhoods
that will most likely be passed on to their children.
Legacy – A big word in action but
HUGE in meaning. This season is a good time to reflect on what your
legacy is. If you haven’t been kind to one another, be kind. We all
have challenges in life and we really don’t have a clue what that
person sitting next to you at the restaurant, your server or even the
driver in traffic next to you is going through today. It could be
anything - bad health news, lost a job, lost a loved one.
Treat all people with respect. Start
here. If they do something to not deserve your respect, do not
mistreat them. The best thing is to give them space. It’s a time
for gifting – A gift can be as simple as a smile or a greeting.
Acknowledging someone can be a huge gift. You could make someone’s
day by just smiling at them.
Give the gift of common courtesy. Hold
a door for someone. In traffic, take your time. You will get there.
It is better for everyone to get there safe anyway. Bottom line –
put someone else first. It will come back to you ten fold. I wish you
all a Merry Christmas. Spend as much family time together as
possible. Laugh, sing and eat. The diets start on New Years day.
