Celebrating Christmas in ways that help us realize these gifts enhances our spiritual life. One woman celebrates by bringing gifts to those who are forgotten, taking time to get to know each person and shopping for a meaningful gift. Having worked in a nurse home before retiring, she says "A lot of people become upset at such situations and they try to stay away from it. Act like it doesn't happen. If you ignore it, it will go away. But it's real. It's real, real, real."
Addressing the very real needs of those we meet is part of acknowledging that each person is equal in God's eyes, worthy and deserving of His care and ours. When we do that, we're keeping it real.
Speaking of joy, let me introduce you to joyful noise, a chorus of adults with disabilities with 30 members, ages 20 to 65.
This chorus has given more than fifty performances in NJ and the Philadelphia area. They are on a Mission to Inspire to bring their joy of singing to conductors, music therapists, and educators from the Mid-Atlantic to New England region.
[visual description: A photo of joyful noise is shown. Approximately a dozen members wearing turquoise T shirts are singing, along with their composer, conductor and song leader Alice Parker, who stands to the left.]
6 comments:
Merry Christmas! I totally agree with what this woman says about it being just easier to look the other way. I remember volunteering as a teenager because "my mother made me do it" and I'm forever grateful she did. It taught me to get over myself and out of myself. This has helped me more than those I ever helped and I've taught my kids the same values. If everyone gave of themselves a little, the world would be a much brighter place for so many.
Hilda
Just stopped by to say Merry Christmas! Great new look to your blog.
Just a note to say "Merry Christmas" and thank you for so much interesting and informative writing. And most of all, thank you for being YOU!
Thanks everyone for your Christmas greetings.
Hilda- Teaching kids about giving is so important. My nephew who's in 5th grade volunteers over at a senior bingo weekly, visiting with them, etc and it's been so good for him - and the seniors , many of whom can't see their own grandkids at times.
hotwheelz - thanks- glad you like the new look!
Sr. Edith - Thanks so much for your kind words - and for reading!
Merry Christmas to you and yours Ruth! Thanks for being a good blog friend. All the best to you in 2008!!
Thanks, David! Merry Christmas to you and your family too. Am looking forward to rolling into 2008 - hope you're getting a nice break from school.
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