Whatever Moves You
by Jim Elgas
The rush is over. It’s early, early Christmas morning. Silence fills a tree-laden living room. You flip on the low-watt string of lights on the branches. They are soft and white. The glow transports you to Christmases past. The ornaments are a collection from decades gone by, with a new one here and there for Christmas future. A homemade cardboard manger, made when your daughter was a child, sits on the ledge of the bay window. A carol plays in your head, but not out loud. Gifts crowd the base of the tree while your family still sleeps. You are a kid again, innocent with great expectations.
I’m sure everyone who celebrates Christmas has their own memories. Maybe there were lean ones shrouded in uncertain futures or others where fortune smiled. There may have been ones spent alone, or far from home, surrounded by people who didn’t share the same sentiments. Others may have been clouded with the loss of a loved one overshadowing the day.
As a grown man, I have my own recollections of where and how I’ve observed them. Over the years, I’ve reflected on the commercialism of the season, but have come to realize that without it, our economy might be severely impacted. In fact, if it didn’t exist, it would have to be invented.
In the end, it is the spirit of the day itself that I’ve come to appreciate. That feeling you get when something you’ve given hits home and the realization that it was done in appreciation, and yes, in love. A hug can accomplish the same ends if there are no presents involved. It is a reconnection of your heart on a human level.
The spirit of this day moves us, but where did it originate? How have we come to be familiar with it? What is its message?
It is the celebration and memory of the birth of a child. Not just any child, but a child who grew up saying wondrous things. Things like, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God”; “Give and it shall be given unto you”; “Let him without sin cast the first stone”; “Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven”; and “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despise and persecute you”. You know… little things that move us.
So whether you take part in Christmas traditions or not, may the spirit of the occasion touch you and peace prevail. Whatever moves you…
Back to Jim's Page
Can not be reproduced or used without written permission Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
by Jim Elgas
The rush is over. It’s early, early Christmas morning. Silence fills a tree-laden living room. You flip on the low-watt string of lights on the branches. They are soft and white. The glow transports you to Christmases past. The ornaments are a collection from decades gone by, with a new one here and there for Christmas future. A homemade cardboard manger, made when your daughter was a child, sits on the ledge of the bay window. A carol plays in your head, but not out loud. Gifts crowd the base of the tree while your family still sleeps. You are a kid again, innocent with great expectations.
I’m sure everyone who celebrates Christmas has their own memories. Maybe there were lean ones shrouded in uncertain futures or others where fortune smiled. There may have been ones spent alone, or far from home, surrounded by people who didn’t share the same sentiments. Others may have been clouded with the loss of a loved one overshadowing the day.
As a grown man, I have my own recollections of where and how I’ve observed them. Over the years, I’ve reflected on the commercialism of the season, but have come to realize that without it, our economy might be severely impacted. In fact, if it didn’t exist, it would have to be invented.
In the end, it is the spirit of the day itself that I’ve come to appreciate. That feeling you get when something you’ve given hits home and the realization that it was done in appreciation, and yes, in love. A hug can accomplish the same ends if there are no presents involved. It is a reconnection of your heart on a human level.
The spirit of this day moves us, but where did it originate? How have we come to be familiar with it? What is its message?
It is the celebration and memory of the birth of a child. Not just any child, but a child who grew up saying wondrous things. Things like, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God”; “Give and it shall be given unto you”; “Let him without sin cast the first stone”; “Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven”; and “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despise and persecute you”. You know… little things that move us.
So whether you take part in Christmas traditions or not, may the spirit of the occasion touch you and peace prevail. Whatever moves you…
Back to Jim's Page
Can not be reproduced or used without written permission Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.