Christmas Season—A Time for Giving

Christmas is a season of giving, a time when we show our love to others. During this season, how many times have we thought about giving of ourselves? The importance of serving others can never be over-emphasized. The measure of our love shows in what we do for one another. Just being there and being supportive can bring so much joy to others. There are many opportunities to help those who are feeling down, depressed, or alone, and need our support. It is not where we serve, but how we serve, and we must serve with love. We have our rewards when we serve, rewards that will bring us great joy.

In 1945, a young soldier sat in the trenches, trying to keep warm. Every night the enemy would attack precisely at midnight. He would hear their footsteps just before battle and knew what was about to happen. There were many wounded from the last battle and now it was Christmas Eve. His comrades were blue and depressed. Everyone was thinking of home and their loved ones, just wishing the war would end. The young soldier could feel their needs and his heart went out to them. The only gift he could think of to give his comrades was to sing, hoping to uplift their spirits and give them hope.

The young soldier began singing “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” with feeling and fervor. Every note he sang was clear and beautiful. The soldiers stopped what they were doing and listened. Next he sang “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “The First Noel.” He continued singing one Christmas song after another. Every one listened, including the enemy not far off. Many hearts were touched, silent prayers were said, and there was no battle that night but complete silence…for the exception of one lone voice singing Christmas songs.

Christmas is a season of giving, so I would like to show my thankfulness to all my friends by giving a few books away for Christmas. "Melinda and the Wild West" and "Edith and the Mysterious Stranger" are the first two books in this series: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho. To find out what each book is about, visit my website and read the synopsis and a sample chapter at Make Believe. I will e-mail the winners on December 16th. Watch for more Give-Aways during the following year.