Best gifts of Christmas evoke season’s blessings

There is something about Christmas that warms the heart and makes troubles and strife melt into love and understanding.

And although today will be mostly about the excitement of opening presents, spending time with family and a big Christmas dinner, there is an underlying current of peace and joy that should remind us all that the real reason for the season is a small baby in a manger in Bethlehem.

Many Wayne County residents will begin their day remembering that gift of love as they don their best and head to local churches. And that is how it should be.

The lessons of Christmas are hope, love, joy and salvation — the kind of gifts that cannot be purchased at a store.

Sometimes we forget that true meaning of the holiday as we struggle to meet its demands. Scurrying to find that much-sought-after toy and the hustle and bustle that accompany the holiday preparations stop us from remembering that it is giving, not receiving, that we should be concentrating on as Dec. 25 nears.

And counting a few blessings might not be such a bad idea either.
This holiday season has been a heart-warming one for many in Wayne County.

In spite of all the demands on our pocketbooks, the community stepped up and made sure there would be plenty of food, clothing and toys for those for whom Christmas might be a little skimpy this year.

More than 1,000 children and countless families will feel a little less alone today because so many took the time to care.

That is what this holiday is all about.

With the increasing commercialization of Christmas and the politically correct Merry Christmas debate, many have forgotten the Biblical story of love that centers around a little baby in swaddling clothes and a family who had nowhere to stay but a stable.

As you sit down to mark the day with your family, don’t just celebrate that you were able to snag an ever-elusive iPod, but remember instead the true meaning of this holiday that brings together so many in the spirit of peace, love and understanding.

By sharing our hearts on this holy day, the true spirit of Christmas will never be forgotten.

Merry Christmas to you and your families from all of us at The Goldsboro News-Argus.

Published in Editorials on December 24, 2005 5:39 PM