The Season of Love

     The other night I attended a Christmas Spectacular at the First United Methodist Church.  It was absolutely wonderful, really putting me into the Christmas Spirit.  The music, the voices, all were superb and did their job in preparing us for Christmas.  I have discovered that attending such a musical production really places me in the mood to celebrate Christmas.
​      When I was a little girl, Christmas meant toys.  LOTS of toys!  As an adult, it usually meant jewelry.  Hey, I like jewelry... However, toys and jewelry aren't really the reason for the season.  The season is love.  We are reminded during this time of year of the love of a father and a mother, and the love that would come to the earth due to the birth of a child.  And not just any child, although all children are precious, but the birth of one who would show us how to love each other, as well as ourselves.
      This season is about the love we share with our spouses, significant others, children, parents, relatives, extended family, and certainly love for our friends.  It's also the time of year where it is perfectly acceptable to love a total stranger, and to give that stranger a monetary gift.  It's the time of year where we have the opportunity to give to a charity, like that one with a person clanging a bell in front of Wal-Mart or Publix. 
       This is also the season for hope.  Some hope for a better year to come, and possibly will attain their dream due to the love someone has shown them.  Love is key throughout the entire season.  I love the fact that LOVE is all around us, if we just look.  I guess we could have a negative focus instead, but why would we want to choose that perspective when we can select love?  So many opportunities avail themselves for us to show our love for another and, hopefully, LOTS of others!
         I choose to place my vision on that which is positive and filled with the light of love.  This year I am even watching the Hallmark Channel Christmas movies!  I figure if I keep being associated with love, if I keep filling my spare time with love, then love will be all I feel.  Sure beats the opposite!
        During this Season of Love, maybe we can put aside those grudges once held toward certain family members.  Perhaps we can open a new chapter of understanding and compassion.  Hey, why not?  If Jesus can forgive us, surely we can forgive a foolish mistake made by another.  Please share the Season of Love.
                                                             MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

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