where have you seen it...

from the 12.25.07 print edition of the herald-gazette

The true meaning of Christmas

By Walter Geiger

On a lark, I googled ‘the true meaning of Christmas’.

The world’s preeminent web search engine informed me - in just six tenths of a second - that it had about 1,560,000 files on the topic.

Certainly, God’s word is open to interpretation and no shortage of Biblical scholars and others spend countless hours each day doing just that. But, 1.56 million hits is ridiculous.

Even with all the commercial gifting glitz, the true meaning of Christmas is easy to spot. All you have to do is look for it, know what you are looking for and possess the ability to recognize it.

I spotted it in the face of my seven-year-old daughter as she read a portion of the Biblical Christmas story during a presentation at her school. Likewise, I saw it in the faces of those who acted out the parts - little shepherds, tiny wise men and the miniature versions of Mary and Joseph.

Without question, the world would be a better place if such presentations were the norm at all schools - not just private and parochial places of learning.

I saw it several weeks ago at the Centennial Baptist Association’s Journey to the Manger presentation at The Rock Ranch where dozens of performers went to great lengths to recreate the chaotic scene in Bethlehem on the night of Christ’s birth.

I saw it in the calm presence of a family of five who joined hands in a crowded restaurant and blessed their holiday shopping trip meal before eating it. The blessing was a long, unhurried one and calmed the clamor in the restaurant as more and more people realized it was in progress.

Perhaps it was my imagination but the place seemed quieter after that and several other families paused to utter a public blessing.

It is obvious in the faces of those who volunteer to work at this time of year on Empty Stocking, Toys for Tots and similar drives. These people believe in their mission of providing a beacon of holiday hope to needy families.

I spotted it in the face of Wayne Cook, a gifted musician and organist/pianist at our church. Wayne, who has played keyboards in sanctuaries hereabouts since childhood, closed his eyes in rapture as he majestically brought the powerful notes and chords of a Christmas anthem out of the organ’s pipes.

It also beamed from the combined faces of a dozen or more young carolers as they prepared to lift holiday spirits at a nursing home with their voices.

I saw it in the actions of a young girl who, after climbing down from Santa’s lap, said, “Thanks, Santa. God bless you.”

You’ve seen it, too.

The question is whether or not you have taken time to notice.
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On a personal note, all of us here at your local newspaper would like to thank you for your readership and patronage. We wish for you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!