Holiday Season

Many in the world celebrate holidays around the Christmas.  For some the reasons are grounded in a variety of stories from the past.  In other cultures the celebrations are founded in traditions which have long lost their origins in the mist of time.  Whatever the reason there is a common thread which prevails across cultures, times, and place.  We celebrate a holiday centered of gifts from one to another, usually without thought of compensation or recognition. 
 
There are exceptions, cultural and individual, however I believe the thread of what we share tells a greater story.  I find every soul thirsts to know others care.  We experience this sense of caring by the gifts of relationship, material things, and in compassionate action.  It really doesn’t matter how and what we receive as long as we receive the heart knowledge of caring and love.  Presents are not always measured by their monetary value.  The best presents have our “names” on them.  Actions are not always considered valuable, except from the person who is on the receiving end of things.  Even Madison Avenue acknowledges the priceless value of relationship and the actions between human beings.  You can purchase many things, virtually anything except the gift of love.
 
When one sees, experiences, or finds love, the sense of hope, wonder, and energy is beyond description.  It is as if God “raises a flag, signaling a distant nation, whistles for people at the ends of the earth.  And here they come—on the run!” (Isaiah 5.26)  We want, need, long for this!  In many ways this is the heart of what it means to be alive.  This is something worth living for.  This is something worth fighting for.  This is something worth dying for.
 
Yet this is a gift one person can always give to another.  It doesn’t matter how difficult or painful our situation is.  It doesn’t matter how much or little we have.  It doesn’t even matter if we celebrate the holiday.  We can always give the gift of love to the person who is next to us.