Remember the true meaning of Christmas

Christmas, more than any other time of the year, heightens the pain some folks must bear. It might be a troubled memory from the past, a recent tragedy, a lost love, or just life’s sharp turns and obstacles that get in the way. 

So, some folks might just need a friend with a shoulder to lean on or help to provide a meal or pay some bills, or even spiritual guidance. Years ago, I heard someone tell this or maybe I read it. At my weight and age, my memory sometimes gets a bit cloudy. 

The story goes, “I heard my Mom asking our neighbor for some salt. We had salt at home, so I asked why she was asking for this. She told me, “They don’t have much money and they sometimes ask us for things. So, I asked for something small that wouldn’t burden them. I want them to feel as if we needed them too. That way, it will be much easier for them to ask us for anything they need.” 

Most folks that are experiencing a downside to life have too much pride to ask for help. But if you can see your way to extend a helping hand and still allow them to retain a degree of dignity, wouldn’t that make life seem worthwhile? 

Today’s world can be quite difficult and from time to time we all may need that helping hand. And besides, doesn’t the giver usually get greater blessings from a gift than the receiver. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year to practice being a good neighbor. I have memories of my Papa Hop walking to town, he had never learned to drive, and since their place was at the edge of town, he would just hoof it. It seemed like he always come home with a bag or two that he would often take to a house at the end of the lane. This is where the Grays lived and bless their hearts, they were poor. 

Mr. Gray had suffered a farm accident that kept him from being able to hold a job and the little bit of assistance they got did not go far in feeding the passel of kids they had. So, Papa Hop would sit with Mr. Gray while Mr. Gray would give him advice on farming practices. When he left, he had traded those bags of groceries for some sound farming advice. It was years before I realized just what he was doing, but I am sure God was glorified in the exchange. We all have opportunities and it’s just the right thing to do. 

 

True Christmas Spirit

The Christmas season always brings joy to young and old,

With loving family and friends as good as gold,

With the wonderful smells of cooking in the air,

The scent of Christmas trees and mistletoe come to bear.

 

Cousins and Uncles and Aunts with Grandmama and Granddad,

Have all the little boys and girls been good or bad?

Because the Christmas season that you’ve waited for so long,

Will bring out the carolers with their joyous song.

 

The children’s sweet excited voices ring out,

Among laughter and sounds of greeting’s loud shout,

Bringing cakes and candy and cookies galore,

And with bright eyed anticipation you know that there’s more.

 

I have memories of Christmas Eve, of Santa and his sled,

“Merry Christmas to one and all”, is surely what he said,

Your eyes get dazzled with bows and tinsel on a shelf,

But the true Christmas Spirit comes from within yourself.

 

For Christmas is a time to give your love to those in need,

Then you shall find the true Christmas Spirit indeed,

When you reach out to give a stranger a helping hand,

Or say thanks to a friend for riding for the brand. 

 

Reach out to help a family down on their luck,

Or the widow or others where tragedy has struck,

And they are bereaved and saddened by life’s cruel end,

The best Christmas present is the love of a friend.

 

‘Cuz  there are many that the season will bring pain,

Yes, they are the very ones that feel life is in vain,

So help them to understand the Christmas story,

Of the birth of Jesus in all of God’s glory.

 

Help each one to share in the joyous Christmas feast,

Bring love to their lives so that their pain is decreased,

Teach them to seek God’s love as they travel this sod,

 And reap the many blessings from the journey they trod.

 

God’s Grace is a gift that each of us can receive,

If we trust our Lord Jesus and only believe,

Then we can help others by showing that we care,

And our love to others  is a blessing  we can share.

 

You see the Christmas Spirit is not something that you buy,

It’s a blessing given to you by God there on high, 

In truth it’s the Christ Child in his immaculate birth,

Bringing peace and good will to everyone on earth.

 

So the Christ Child helps you find joy in your heart,

And that my friend is where the Christmas Spirit will start,

So join with the Angels in melodious chord,

And celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior and Lord!

©  Ol’ Jim Cathey

 

Ol’ Jim Cathey and his young bride Stella wish each of you a joyous Christmas season. 

Let your gift be one of love to your neighbors!

 

God Bless you and God Bless America!

The Rosebud News

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
Phone: (254) 883-2554
Fax:(254) 883-6553