A CHRISTMAS GREETING TO ALL
by Tony Taton

Once again this old world celebrates the birthday of the Christ child. Though born of poor parents in a lowly manger, he has changed the world more than anyone else with his teachings of compassion and love for our fellow man. Christmas is celebrated in many nations around the world in many ways, but they all relate to the birth of Baby Jesus in a small village of Bethlehem, where the wise men followed the star and found the child in the manger, and presented costly gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense. Since that holy event, it has been customary to give gifts on this, one of the most holy days of the year.

Christmas is kept holy and religious by most churches, yet this old gent with his sleigh and reindeer still makes his annual journey to all the little people who have been good through the year. It is time for good cheer and a happy time for most families, with homes brightly decorated with lights and a Christmas tree. People are busy shopping in the malls and stores, for the perfect gift for each person on their list.

It is also a very sad time for people who have lost a loved one through the year, for a chair will be empty. All of us have lost someone and some have lost recently, so it is good to remember our neighbors as our own.

When the special evening arrives, we always go to our church for a candlelight evening service. Our son plays his trumpet from the balcony with the choir. After the Yuletide hymns and carols are sung and the service is over, we return home for a snack, turn on the fireplace and gather in the living room for family time and some Christmas cheer as we admire the tree and its beauty.

We have so much to be thankful for in our homeland. We have been free, and have been blessed by the good Lord more than any nation in the world. We have freedom, food, shelter, good schools, hospitals, choice of religion and a multitude of other blessings. Our nation is able to grow enough food to feed us and send more abroad. We help people in other nations with not only food, but also medicine, money and missionaries. Yes, we have truly been blessed until our cup overflows. On any given Sunday, our nation's churches house over many million people so, you see, we are a God-loving people.

On Christmas day, as the presents are opened, the television is busy giving Christmas greetings from around the world, along with the news, be it good or bad. Mother has prepared her great Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. After prayer, everyone enjoys this bounty until they have eaten their fill. This is a great time of year for clans to gather and enjoy time together as they relate the year's happenings to one another.

Let each of us make each day of the year special by being good both to ourselves and to each other. We are committed as Christian people to help one another by presenting the Great Commission to all people of the world, as proclaimed in the gospel. We need to help the aged, the little people and those who are less fortunate than we are. Let each of us make his or her light shine as we help those in need.

When was the last time you drove an older person to go shopping? Or took someone to their doctor's appointment? Or visited someone in the hospital? Or visited a shut-in? Or simply took dinner to them? We all have a gift to give. Kind encouraging words and a smile are free. They cost nothing. However, both are invaluable and emotionally uplifting to one who is ill or lonely. What a great feeling of worthiness comes from such gifts! (Both for one who gives and the one who receives).

Salutations to each of you! May you enjoy a blessed, healthy and happy Christmas. May the good Lord touch each and every one of you with his continued blessings. May He bless our nation, our president and his cabinet. May He grant them wisdom, protect them from all harm and guide them in his righteousness.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all!