CHRISTMAS GENEROSITY

I am always amazed at the generosity of American people most any time there is a need, and especially at Christmas. The church, non-profit organizations, and individuals give us so many opportunities to give. Every year millions of dollars in gifts passes hands, and boxes of food and decorated Christmas gifts go to people in need of all ages. Even the media features story after story about young and old sharing with others. All this makes Christmas the most heart-warming time of the year.

Giving and sharing are good anytime, but especially now. I saw this poem in the paper and wanted to share it with you. It's about some people who are… Well, you read it and decide what it's about. This little poem has quite a strong message.

"THE COLD WITHIN" (by James Patrick Kinne)
Six humans trapped by happenstance In dark and bitter cold.
Each possessed a stick of wood, Or so the story's told.

Their dying fire in need of logs, But the first one held hers back,
For, of the faces around the fire, She noticed one was black.

The next one looked across the way; Saw one not of his church,
And could not bring himself to give The fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes; He gave his coat a hitch.
Why should his log be put to use To warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought Of wealth he had in store,
And keeping all that he had earned From the lazy, shiftless poor.

The black man's face bespoke revenge As the fire passed from his sight,
For he saw in his stick of wood A chance to spite the white.

And the last man of this forlorn group Did nought except for gain;
Giving just to those who gave Was how he played the game.

Their sticks held tight in death's stilled hands Was proof enough of sin;
They did not die from cold without -- They died from cold within.

Because God gave us His only Son, Christians are the most generous of all. They understand the coldness of sin and the warmth of their Savior dwelling in their hearts. God grant this Christmas that everyone, whether young or old, families or single people, will have all that they need, including the gift of the Christ child of Bethlehem.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given." (Isalah 9:6)