The time is now for Christmas
- Kyle Snyder: Live on Purpose
- December 23, 2023
- 515
“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others.”
—Bob Hope
All I can say is wow! What happened to the year? My mom might say it flew the coop. I can’t believe it’s Christmastime already, but I hope it won’t be as cold as last year. I know the wind chill factor was 15 below, but I hope this year won’t be too bad. Instead of a white Christmas, it looks like we are going to have a cold, rainy and muddy Christmas. Yet Christmas is what is in our heart. Just like Thanksgiving, Christmas is what we make of it.
I know people who are not big on Christmas because they say Jesus most likely wasn’t born around Christmas and because they think it is too much about money. I will admit Jesus possibly wasn’t born at Christmastime, but as my mom put it, we still honor him and the fact he was born. Christmas is the biggest time of year in the world of retail, but Christmas is a lot like life — it is all in what we make of it. If we make it about money, then it will be about money. We will all be a whole lot happier when we learn we can’t control other people.
I unfortunately know a boatload of people who will not have a merry Christmas. Not because they won’t be with loved ones or they don’t have enough, but because they choose to be uptight and negative all of the time. Maybe their family life is not the greatest, and some family members just like to get under their skin. The Bible tells us to get along with everyone, as long as it depends on us. In other words, do your part to keep the peace, don’t bring things up just to drive people nuts and keep your head about yourself.
Christmas is about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and I believe he wants us to keep the peace with our loved ones. If they want to poke the bear, don’t engage with them, and if they continue, just join another group and talk with them. Most people who like to cause trouble do so because they want us to join them in their misery. We need to be the bigger person and just not engage in their misery.
What can we give to others this Christmas season? We can give the gifts of kindness and understanding. I think most people just like to be understood. I know I can get so wrapped up in myself that I can forget about others. I try very hard not to do that, but I am not always successful at it.
I love to talk to people and hear their stories; it gives me a better understanding of where they are coming from. All some people really want is just to be listened to. We don’t need to fix them, just give them someone who cares and is willing to spend time with them. Being present with someone might be the greatest gift of all. Merry Christmas!