by John Grant
(John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney)
This holiday season let’s remember that not all gifts are wrapped in shiny paper and decorated with ribbon and bows. As we have grown spiritually this year, God has pointed us to a life of simplicity and a realization that the most valuable things in life are those that have no price.
There are many intangible gifts we can share with those who deserve special recognition…..for who they are, what they do, and the importance they play in our lives.
Here are some items on our gift list and hopefully you will add them to yours:
-Â Â Â To yourself….respect, confidence and faith
-Â Â Â To a friend….a heartfelt and caring spirit
-Â Â Â To a family member….dedication, communication and understanding
-Â Â Â To a good cause….generosity and ardent advocacy
-Â Â Â To a traveler….an open door of hospitality
-Â Â Â To our military and first responders….honor and appreciation
-Â Â Â To a customer or client….excellent service
-Â Â Â To the ill and hurting….concern and healing comfort
-Â Â Â To the hungry and homeless….compassion and emergency services
-Â Â Â To the abused, neglected and abandoned….hope and security
-Â Â Â To someone with a special challenge….recognition and acceptance
-Â Â To the addicted and troubled….a positive path to recovery
-Â Â To an infant and toddler….attachment, attention and safety
-Â Â Â To a child and teen….roots and a legacy
-Â To a parent in need….a helping hand
-Â Â Â To an elder, reverence….gratitude and dignified care
-Â Â To everyone you see, friends and strangers alike….smiles and positive energy
-Â Â Â To people of every age….unconditional love.
-  To all the peoples of the world….justice and peace and the Jesus story of Christmas
At this Christmas season, may we remember that the door to Heaven begins at the manger and ends at the cross. It is not trees and tinsel or packages and bows that define this season, but the baby in the manger who came to save the world. He remains our only hope for a fallen world and for our individual life for eternity with God our Father.
We are drawn to that prayer written by St. Francis of Assisi nearly a thousand years ago, but every bit as true today:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
To each of you we send our most warm greetings this Christmas season and pray that God will truly bless and protect you throughout the coming New Year.
Merry Christmas to All! (John and Beverley Grant)
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2009/12/21/jg_message/