Christmas.
The mere mention of the holiday often lightens one's heart. Cheery decorations brighten winter's gloom. Friends and family gather to feast (cookies!) and bestow presents.
I don't mean to blow the fuse on your Christmas light strings, but there's another side. I thought this letter a worthy reminder that Yuletide is the season for giving:
Dear Santa,
My family is one of the thousands who have lost their homes this year. A declining job market, soaring prices... We didnt live beyond our means unless hot dogs are now considered a luxury. I'm trying hard to count my blessings as my family is luckier than some. We're together, living under a decent roof---for now.
Our Christmas club funds paid for rent and heating oil. If we decorate a tree, there won't be many presents underneath, but we'll share the greatest gift of all---love.
They say Christmas is a time for miracles, Santa, and we really need some...
Faith---It's so very hard to believe that an Almighty exists, much less that He knows what He's doing. War. Hunger. Homelessness. How can a loving God let so many suffer?
Charity---Greed and fear have deterred many "haves" from sharing even a little with the "have-nots." Part of me can't blame them. Rather than asking them to open their wallets, couldn't they open their hearts? (Or better yet, squeeze one more onto the payroll?)
Hope---Without faith and charity, it's nearly impossible to expect circumstances to improve.Yet my greatest hope is that people will look over their fences and put themselves in their neighbors' shoes. Misfortune isn't contagious, but it might be a breath away.
Wishing you a joyful holiday filled with love,
Mom
Dear Santa,
My family is one of the thousands who have lost their homes this year. A declining job market, soaring prices... We didnt live beyond our means unless hot dogs are now considered a luxury. I'm trying hard to count my blessings as my family is luckier than some. We're together, living under a decent roof---for now.
Our Christmas club funds paid for rent and heating oil. If we decorate a tree, there won't be many presents underneath, but we'll share the greatest gift of all---love.
They say Christmas is a time for miracles, Santa, and we really need some...
Faith---It's so very hard to believe that an Almighty exists, much less that He knows what He's doing. War. Hunger. Homelessness. How can a loving God let so many suffer?
Charity---Greed and fear have deterred many "haves" from sharing even a little with the "have-nots." Part of me can't blame them. Rather than asking them to open their wallets, couldn't they open their hearts? (Or better yet, squeeze one more onto the payroll?)
Hope---Without faith and charity, it's nearly impossible to expect circumstances to improve.Yet my greatest hope is that people will look over their fences and put themselves in their neighbors' shoes. Misfortune isn't contagious, but it might be a breath away.
Wishing you a joyful holiday filled with love,
Mom
