The Editor,
Christmas is a special time. It evokes strong feelings. Some express impatient outrage at the glaring commercialism of the mall and the media, others treasure the expectancy, hope and spiritual significance of the birth of Christ.
Some reopen emotional wounds from life-losses experienced in December. The Sally Ann's jingling Christmas kettle carries a multi-layered complexity of meaning and significance.
Christmas invites us to pause for a moment, to put on hold our old conflicts. It asks us to count our blessings - those gifts we've received throughout our lives, and to consider others by extending to them some tangible kindness.
Even in our deepest losses, Christmas moves us to rediscover the evident gifts we've received, that we continue to enjoy and share with family, friends and neighbours.
In this season, maybe you'll discover new ways to show it, old ways to share it and special ways to receive kindness.
Chaplain Paul Beckingham
Rotary Hospice House
