The final dash to the shops is on as people look for the perfect gift to give to someone they love. As the last of the wrapping paper is used and the gifts labelled and placed under the tree, there comes an opportunity to reflect on a lasting gift that’s good for your health – hope, health, harmony.
Changes to Christmas celebrations
Over the course of my life, Christmas seems to have undergone many changes. When I was a child, it used to be about waking up to gifts mysteriously left at the end of my bed. We gathered around the table to eat a full English roast dinner accompanied by steaming hot plum pudding. Then there were songs about snow, warm glowing fires, and sleigh rides.
Often all of this took place on a scorching Australian summer’s day as we wiped away the perspiration from our faces. Years later, the lovingly-wrapped presents and the delicious food took a back seat as the ever-growing extended family sought to maintain contact and spend time with each other.
Fast forward to today. Cultural differences have altered the landscape of Christmas in Australia. The sunshine and relaxed life-style have led to barbecues and family celebrations at the beach.
Changes at home
On the home front, Christmas can be tinged with sadness, regret and loneliness. Loved ones may have either passed on, or moved to places far away. With all these personal and community changes, it’s not surprising that some people dread the festive season or want to shun it entirely.
While the fluctuations of human living may bring change into our experience, and try to cast a shadow over what should be a joyous time of year, they can’t alter the real reason that Christmas time is loved and celebrated by many individuals and communities. Although sending greeting cards, singing carols, sharing gifts and a special meal are considered important , they’re really only outward symbols of what this Season is all about.
Real meaning of Christmas
At this time of year, the real meaning of Christmas is commemorated. The ancient story of the birth of Christ Jesus is remembered and retold. This account is not about the arrival of just another child into the world. For many people, Jesus’ advent heralded unprecedented change for humankind. It told of love, peace and goodwill on earth. Because of this man’s shining example, the enduring love of a divine Father that constantly nurtures, sustains and companions everyone, is celebrated.
TIP:
● This Christmas think about reading the nativity story.
● Be inspired by what Jesus’ life could mean in these often turbulent times.
● Think about the true meaning of Christmas.
● Find comfort, good health and healing.
● Ponder the much loved Christmas narrative. From it can come the lasting gift of hope, health and harmony for anyone wanting to receive it.
● Open the gift of wellness and peace of mind.
Such a gift can be unwrapped every day. And that’s something worth remembering and celebrating all year round.
I’m a professional Christian Science Practitioner and Teacher. Through my prayer-based practice, I help people find happiness, health and healing.
Thank you Beverly, for posting that very comforting and timely reminder.
Thank you Carol for your comment. Christmas can be a time when we miss our loved ones. It’s comforting to know that they are always with us in our love and thoughts. The gift of hope and harmony can uplift our heart and also bring a sense of wellbeing
Beverly, those ideas of the symbolism of Christmas which celebrates “the enduring love of a divine Father that constantly nurtures, sustains and companions everyone” and is daily there for us all, is such a comforting thought. Thank you. Our greatest gift for Christmas is that of love and peace. We can make sure we do that. And if we close our eyes and remember what we have to be grateful for, a quiet sense of peace is ours.
Thank you Kerri for your comment. What a lovely thing to do – “close our eyes and remember what we have to be grateful for.” Unwrapping the gift of gratitude does bring peace of mind and it has the benefit of forwarding good health.
Thank you Beverley. Many people do remember that Christmas is a time of giving, not only giving gifts but sharing. I know of families who always include someone who would otherwise be on their own. My own parents would often ask a loan person to share our Christmas meal. And of course charities give in many wonderful ways to those in need. To me, the Christmas music really lifts me up and inspires me with the wonder of the true Christmas story.
Thank you Marion for your comment. Sharing the gift of friendship and harmony with others is certainly a kind thing to do. That was very good of your parents to include a person who was on their own at Christmas. Giving the gift of hope and love reminds us that “Jesus is the reason for the Season”. Have a healthy, joy-filled Christmas.
A very important reminder from Beverly! It is so true that changes and troubles can overshadow the Christmas season, let alone the commercial hysteria which can make many people feel more alone at this time of year because apparently ‘out there’ everyone else is having the dream Christmas except them. All that makes it more important to step back and recognise, as Beverly says, that this is not the real Christmas time. The real Christmas story gives hope and inspiration to the world and everyone can share in that.
Thank you Susan for your comment. I agree wholeheartedly with what you said: “The real Christmas story gives hope and inspiration to the world and everyone can share in that.” No matter what lovely gifts we receive from our family and friends, the best gift we can receive is that of hope, health and harmony. This gift helps us to meet challenges with calmness and the expectation of experiencing good health and wellness. Have a wonderful Christmas day with you dear ones.
Thanks Beverley. I love the nativity story as it is about the unexpected. No Jew expected the Messiah to be born to a peasant girl from Nazareth. No one expected the King of the Jews to be born in a stable. No one thought the Christ would have authority without the traditional education of a Rabbi. Yet we remember Jesus all these years later. What a blessing to keep in mind as we celebrate Christmas this year!
Thank you Robin for your comment. I am pleased that you love to remember the nativity story. What an impact it has had on the world. And as you say, here it is 2013 and we still recount it and sing about it in much loved carols and Christmas hymns. May your Christmas be a joyous one.
Thank you Beverly, I love the idea that all the joy, all the good we experience at this time of year, is only symbolic of the reality of Good’s ever-presence. This is seen so abundantly through all the gift giving, meal sharing and the joy on children’s faces at Christmas time, and is the timely evidence of this wonderful fact. Christmas and New Year blessings to all.
Thank you Anne for your comment. It is good to know that the blessings of the Season will last all year. Hope, health, harmony is with us all year round. Everyone has this precious gift. You have it to unwrap every day. Have a joyous Christmas day.
Thank you Beverly. With our daughter living far away, it is wonderful to dwell on the real meaning of Christmas and to know that love knows no boundaries, time nor distance.
Thank you Jane for your comment. You are so right that love for our family members and friends reaches over continent and oceans. When our thoughts of hope, health and harmony rest on them, they are benefitted. May you and your dear ones feel the spirit of Christmas as you celebrate the true meaning of this special Season
Thank you Beverley. The best thing about Christmas is being with loved ones and contemplating the arrival on this earth of the Christ to bring hope and peace to all isn’t it.
Thank you Trish for your comment on this Christmas Eve. May you and your loved ones unwrap the gift of hope, health and harmony this Christmas and throughout the coming year.