Three Lessons for Christmas
Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All and a Time for Sharing
Dec 24, 2008 Peter John Shearing
With all the excitement, celebrations and hectic preparations that characterise Christmas, there also comes an important moral message of human kindness that defines the true spirit of Christmas. This has been demonstrated over the years and is still practised today.
Peace on Earth
The time was Christmas Day morning 1914; the scene was no-man’s-land, between the German and British front-line trenches in the First World War. Soldiers, German and British, who yesterday had been killing each other, were standing together, shaking hands, taking photographs and exchanging gifts.
It was a welcome and unexpected respite from violence and hatred. Although it was only a temporary truce, they were pausing to celebrate the coming of Jesus the peacemaker.
Sometimes family occasions are a bit like temporary truces in a war which should have long since come to an end! Could a simple Christmas card sent to an estranged friend, or half an hour given to quiet conversation with an elderly or difficult relative help further the process of healing old hurts or misunderstandings?
Goodwill to All
While Christmas for many is a time of plenty and friendship, it can highlight the poverty or loneliness of some people’s lives. December 26 celebrates the Feast of St Stephen. It was on this day, we are told in the famous song, that Good King Wenceslas looked out and took food, drink and firewood to a poor man to cheer him with the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas is a time when people have traditionally been reminded to think of others and give generously to the poor. In Britain, December 26 is known as Boxing Day. It originally got its name from the custom of distributing the money put in alms boxes for the poor people in the town or parish. The day after Christmas, the boxes were broken open and the money distributed by priests. This custom, which dates back to Roman times, was stopped during the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth-century. ‘Christmas Boxes’ then became gifts of money, or tips, given to servants, tradesmen and those who provided services throughout the year.
A Time to Share
Today we can express our care for others at Christmas in practical ways. Many people are lonely, housebound or unable to afford the luxuries of food and drink that we may take for granted at Christmas. Perhaps there is room at our table for someone who would appreciate being included at Christmas.
We can give money or time to Third World aid organizations or those who work with the homeless. There are many other acts of kindness that would be appreciated at Christmas. Here are a few ideas.
- Give toys and Christmas gifts to deprived families through local organizations or charities.
- Take a Christmas dinner to a housebound neighbour
- Invite someone you know who will be alone on Christmas Day to share the day with you.
- Help at a Christmas dinner in a hospital or nursing home.
- Provide transport to Christmas events for elderly or housebound people.
- Buy or sell Christmas cards and presents from charity gift catalogues
These three important qualities define the true spirit of Christmas across the globe, and if we can remember these lessons, we will all be able to acheive fulfilment for ourselves and each other.
Goodwill to All in Difficult Times
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