In all the frantic activities of the Christmas season we often forget some the deeper meaning of this season.
It is certainly a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, office parties and other celebrations with friends. We all work hard to make the moments special by shopping, buying gifts, wrapping gifts and creating the special moments of sharing those gifts. I know my family looks forward to those times every Christmas season as we have a great time together.
This week will be Lakeside’s Christmas luncheon where our entire staff comes together to share the season and some of the amazing stories of the impact our staff is having with our students. One tradition is that we film some of the stories where we share the journey of some of our students who came to us with lives that are devastated by failure, trauma, family struggles, drug use or other life-dominating issues. The beauty of giving hope to students who are in a cycle of failure is one of the best gifts we can share with them. These stories are so inspirational and gratefully, it is part of our everyday Lakeside experience.
As I think of those students and what our caring and compassionate staff has done with these students I think of several quotes that I think represent the heart of Christmas. I just thought it would be meaningful to share some of those quotes as we reflect on this season of love and spiritual reflection. Here they are:
It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you… yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.- Mother Teresa
Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” – Ruth Carter Stapleton
The earth has grown old with its burden of care But at Christmas it always is young, The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair, And its soul full of music breaks the air, When the song of angels is sung.” – Phillips Brooks
The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing others’ loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas. – W. C. Jones
“You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father’s face and tell him you have received his Christmas gift.” – John R. Rice
I hope all of you will have a meaningful, joyous and wonderful Christmas week of love, giving and hope!
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
