DEAR CHRISTINE, WE ARE NOW in what is commonly known as the Christmas season. It is supposed to be a season of good cheer, joy, a time to reflect on why Jesus Christ came to earth, as well as a season of love.
Among us are those who are less fortunate. Hundreds, or rather thousands, have lost their jobs, homes and possessions during the past few years. Many have also lost loved ones, some tragically and unexpectedly.
Please permit me, Christine, to make a plea on behalf of such people:
• To those who have plenty, please consider those around you who do not have much or anything at all, and share some of what you have with the less fortunate.
• Coupled with hard economic times, many people have lost loved ones. Please remember them in your prayers, pay them a visit if possible, and see how you can assist the children whom have been left behind. Do not expect them to “forget” what they have lost. Do not use alcohol to “celebrate” the holidays with them; do not flaunt before them what you have that they do not have, and do not complain to them about all those little things that are bothering you.
• Do spend time to visit the elderly who live alone. Give them a gift, pray with them, take some home-made food to them, offer to clean around their homes and surroundings and spend time lending a listening ear.
• Many people lost loved ones during this period, perhaps many years ago, and so they never view the Christmas season as a time of celebration. Show some understanding.
• Open your homes to those who do not have, not just friends and family members.
• Donate to a charity. There must be something you can give.
• Remember the vagrants, those who sleep on our sidewalks because they have no home of their own. They, too, can do with food, clothing, shoes and all those things some of you will likely throw away during the holidays.
• Spend time visiting shuts-in – those in homes or in health institutions. Take along a couple of gifts to help make their Christmas season a happy one.
• Donate some gifts, time or share your talents with children in the various children’s homes across the island.
• Since shuts-ins will not make it to church, visit them and sing some carols and share the Good News with them.
• Offer hope, give love, and put a smile on someone’s face this Christmas season.
– M.P.
Dear M.P.,
Thank you so much for this lovely letter. I hope our readers will follow your advice and help some of those people in our society who need assistance of some sort – especially during the Christmas season.
There is nothing more fulfilling than helping someone in need. Sometimes all of us need to take our eyes off ourselves, stop considering our “wants” for a while and assist those with “real” needs.
I wish you good health, peace and joy this Christmas season and beyond.
Again, thanks so much for your letter.
– CHRISTINE
