Getting Ahead: ‘Giving or Receiving’

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When holidays like Christmas come along most of us have a wonderful experience with family and friends but some do not. To them these times can cause loneliness and pain. This loneliness can be experienced when we are surrounded by family and friends or when we are alone.

Emotional pain has been proven to attack regardless of our surroundings. To those who experience these feelings it is real and creates a time that is hard to deal with.

Many feel that Christmas has become too commercial and they tend to complain about it because everyone is buying too many presents. This has an element of truth but there is another way to look at it. The spirit of Christmas arouses feelings of giving and generosity in those who are open to it. We are enjoying it because of the excitement on the faces of our children and grandchildren as they open their presents.

I will admit that the presents have become more numerous than they were when Glenda and I were first married, but the joy in giving was as great then as it is now. Our family has always come together and enjoyed celebrating Christmas as we give gifts to one another. We celebrate and feast! It is indeed a joyful time to look forward to.

Could it be that the power in the joy of giving and generosity is the antidote for loneliness and pain? Is it possible that this joy cannot be experienced if there are bad relationships in our life? Does the spirit of giving and generosity have the power to heal our loneliness and pain? Even if we are alone, are there ways that we can be generous and giving? Is it truly more blessed to give than to receive?

These and other life questions will be addressed Sunday morning as “The Gathering Place Family” meets in the Washington High School Gymnasium at 10 a.m. for our Pre-Service Connection where we enjoy coffee, juice and donuts. Our Worship Service and Children’s Church then begins at 10:30. Come at 7 p.m. and be part of our Wednesday night Bible Study and Children’s Ministry on the third floor above Trends at 120 West Court St. in Washington C.H.

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By John G. Pfeifer

Religion Columnist

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