The appreciation and gratefulness engendered by the Christmas season releases our senses to experiences of joy. This childlike openness to life’s joy is known as the Christmas spirit, receptivity to the divinity of others and ourselves.
Soon after C.S. Lewis, the literary scholar and children’s author, married Joy Davidman, his bride’s health began to fail from a malady that was soon diagnosed as terminal cancer. Miraculously, a remission occurred. As his wife’s recovery progressed, Lewis received congratulations from a colleague. His friend suggested that God had answered Lewis’ prayers for a miracle. Lewis replied:
I don’t pray for miracles. I pray because I cannot help myself. I pray because I am helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me, waking and sleeping. Prayer does not change God. It changes me.
In the same way, the holiday season does not change things. It changes the way we look at things. Instead of appearing when we ask for it, or when we expect it, or when we pray for it, the spirit of Christmas flows out of us, waking and sleeping.
The holiday season helps us see the kindness and gentleness in others. We are more generous in giving, more liberal in praise. It gives us compassion for the downcast, comfort for the mournful, mercy for the merciless, and blessings for the peacemakers. The Christmas spirit makes laughter contagious and smiles sincere.
May this holiday time of year bring joy that extends beyond the season. May we stop worrying and begin living. Let us replace complaining with appreciation Trade intolerance for acceptance. Transform selfish ambition into humble service.
Instead of hoarding worldly things that have no enduring value let us pursue joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Let us encourage the timid, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. May we find the divine that lies within us all.