My Dad and Mom were firm believers in the magic of Christmas.
We always wrote a note for Santa leaving him a big glass of milk and his favorite cookies.
My brother and I set out carrots and celery for the reindeer, even though we weren’t sure what they ate.
Santa would slam the door as he left, laughing loudly and saying, “Merry Christmas t all and to all a Good night.”.
Presents were usually special and few, exactly what we had asked from Santa.
As we grew older, the tradition remained even though we knew who did the elfin work for Santa Claus.
It was a belief in our family that everyone is Santa when you share the Love in your heart with others.
We often visited and sang to shut-ins or those in convalescent homes.
And to this day I usually take a group to sing and share our Love and joy with those who have no families.
I have never forgotten the real meaning of Christmas for me: to freely love and bring Joy to one another.
Everyday is Christmas in my heart when I am living my Holy Purpose.
Everyday I am here to bring the Presence I have and the gift of my wonder and Joy.
Everyday I am called to offer hope and faith and Love to my world.
I believe in Christmas as a celebration of the innocent child who simply wants to give and receive love.
What would it take for you to reach out and love someone who needs to be remembered today?
What would it take to make that special phone call with a “Merry Christmas” message?
What would it take for you to forgive the past and wake up smiling?
“Ask not what others can do for you. Ask only what you can do for others.”
I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Be the Santa you were meant to be.
It takes no money, only your time and energy and your Love.
Life is for giving .
And You are the Gift.
Giving will lift your Spirits and make your heart sing.
Give the Best you have, for it was gifted to you to be shared.
Santa Claus has come into your heart.
Hope you appreciate Robert’s poem adapted almost 20 years ago.
The Night Before Christmas
T'was the night before Christmas and all through the earth
Was the light of love shining, a holy new birth.
Forgiveness completed, all judgments aside,
My conscience was clear with no hint of pride.
My worries behind me (I'd put them to bed)
While visions so heavenly danced in my head.
The job and the family, all routine, a snap.
Unaware, I was into a spiritual nap.
When out of the calm, there arose such a clatter.
My life was unsettled. Now what was the matter.
Away from my habits I flew like a flash.
I threw off attachments, and then came the crash.
The feeling was alien, nothing the same.
I couldn't describe it or give it a name.
When what to my wondering eye should appear
But a blaze of white light, and coming so near,
With a little old angel so lively and quick
I knew in a moment, I was going to be sick.
More rapid than eagles his values they came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"More honesty, tolerance, gentleness, trust,
Faithful and generous, with patience a must.
To topple defenses and breach the fear wall
Now dash away, smash away, drop away all."
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly
When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky
So up in the air all the pieces they flew
And I felt when I looked, I'd see everything new.
And then in a twinkling, I felt with a start,
The growing and glowing, expanding my heart.
As I came to my senses and was turning around
I saw in the mirror an image profound.
He was bathed in bright light from his head to his toe
(His clothes were quite common so no one would know)
The weight of the world had just dropped from his back
And he danced like a peddler devoid of his pack.
His eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry,
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry:
The smile of his mouth was drawn up like a bow,
It would light up a crowd wherever he'd go.
His relative silence bespoke inner peace
Letting all in his presence experience release.
He had a bright face and a happy, strong laugh
Which touches the heart, cuts resistance in half.
He was loving and kind, a right jolly old elf
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a nod of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work.
He listened within (a somewhat strange quirk).
But touching his hand to the side of my face
We joined, became one, with no distance or space.
I knew in that moment just what my gift was
To love all of my brothers, with no "why" or "because".
And I'm here to exclaim, as I grow in Love's light,
Merry Christmas to all, it will turn out all right.
Adapted by Robert Waldon