Tis the Season

maggs

As I look at the little baby in that cold manger, surrounded by hay and animals for warmth, I think of the cold shoulder people with cancer often get from others who make the policies, charge the big bucks, employ us, etc. And I think,"That is why He came under such circumstances, to be of comfort to us, in our poverties, too!" So then I am warmed by His love, knowing that He understood where we are right now, as cancer patients and survivors and caregivers. He invites us to feel especially close to Him this year, as He is to us. Don't let the politicians and policies wreck your personal faith--Jesus was not a politician, after all. And we need people who love one another and work for the best for each other, no matter what their faith is...Don't let anyone ruin the beauty of this season for us, whatever holiday you celebrate! We can be united in the celebration of faith and the freedom to express it! Happy Holidays! Maggs

Snookums

AMEN! C

sassysally

A BIG SECOND AMEN TO THAT!!!MAY ALL OF YOUR SEASON BE A HAPPY HEALTHY AND FULL OF JOY! PLEASE REMEMBER THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE AND MAY NOT HAVE WHAT YOU HAVE. PASS ALONG THE LOVE JOY AND FAITH TO MAKE SOMEONE ELSES SEASON A TRULY SPECIAL AND BLESS ONE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!

inkblot

Good thoughts Maggs!

For me, it doesn't have to do with a symbolic baby in a manger on a street corner or in someone's yard. It has more to do with a family of 6, about 10 miles from my house. It has to do with all the souls who show up at the soup kitchen, day in and day out, all year long. It has to do with too many children not having adequate food and winter wear for the cold months.

Every day Tis the Season! The need isn't less or more on holiday's. If everyone could think
consciously about loving their fellow man, helping their fellow man and put into practice,
"deeds" on a daily basis, then maybe this "season" wouldn't be so much the commercialised, consumer frenzy that it is.

What's wrong in a society when "holidays" are necessary to slow people down enough to "remind" them that we're all in this world together?
Still, if a Nativity scene or holiday lights spur someone to action, it is still a good thing...it just isn't nearly enough of a good thing and what happens when the decor is no longer there to remind someone?

The needy are in need all year long.
Those in pain cannot wait for a holiday for care and support. People need transportation, help with preparing food and/or errands, daily. People need help with obtaining services, getting to their doctor's...the list is so long.

The homeless are out there all through the year.
The soup kitchens must operate all year.

We need to find ways to care about more than just our own dilemmas in life. There are so many kinds of loss, pain, and troubles in living. If we just look around we can see need in so many places.

Why do so many only turn their thoughts to helping out food banks, charities, etc. during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season? Far too many ignore those in need until they have an attack of conscience, perhaps, as they plunge into the consumer madness that is known as Christmas.

If we respond to need only in November and December in this country, then we teach our children to do the same and perpetuate that ignoring it for the the other 10 months of the year is the thing to do.

The Beat Goes On and always will, yet the more we contribute to the ill's of our society, the less right we have to sit around and moan about it really.

Let us all endeavour to find the best within ourselves. If we can dig deeper into our hearts of generosity and caring, we could then give of ourselves in ways which really make a difference, in the name of humanity...not just in the name of market driven "holidays". The need is so great, all we have to do is choose a cause which suits our abilities. We cannot save the world but we can all choose to help ease the burdens's of those living in it with us, every day of the year.

Love, light and laughter,
Ink

sandytrif525

Hello Maggs, tonight I got to portray Mary in the manger scene at our church. As we, my husband and I, looked around at the animals and the hey. The animals went about their busness as usual. The smell (even out doors in the open) was there. To hold the "baby" Jesus in that manger being smelly and think of how wonderful He is was truly awesome for me. Merry Christmas to all. Sandy

maggs

That must have been a VERY interesting experience, animals and all! Was it cold, too? What a great gift--to be able to portray the Holy Family, and to understand what He put up with to come and show us how to love one another! Thanks for sharing and Happy Christmas! Maggs