Published December 16, 2009
By Savas Fortis • TLN

My kids can say the strangest things, and they often do. Having been recently struggling with the overpowering chores associated with winter, I was a little low on holiday cheer. However this past week my youngest who is just four years old, asked me a question that warmed me and reminded me of what the true joy of Christmas was all about. Quite simply, William asked, “Daddy if it is Jesus’ birthday we celebrate at Christmas why do we get presents? Shouldn’t we be giving presents to God?” My first reaction was to ignore the question as I did not have an immediate reply, but the silence and penetrating gaze of an inquisitive child is not something to be ignored. My response though clumsy, did reflect the beliefs that I hold dear. I explained to William that God blessed us with the birth of Christ so that our sins can be forgiven through Him and one day, all who love God and believe will join Him in everlasting life in heaven. So we express the great joy we feel for having been redeemed by God by sharing gifts with those we love and hold dear.

William was not satisfied with that answer as he insisted that if God did so much for us, then we have even more reasons to give God presents at Christmas. After some deep thought, my little innocent four-yearold concluded that the most appropriate gifts to present God were tools. His reasoning is that if God was responsible for creating everything in the world, when something in it broke, he would have to fix it; therefore a gift of tools would be the most appropriate gift.

While I was initially amused by my child’s reasoning I was struck by how clear his vision of the world is. His eyes are not tarnished with the shades of gray we often associate with self, greed and the politics of our own best interests. In his world, life is clearly either black or white, right or wrong, truth or lie. There is no web of deceit or shadow of egoism - not yet thankfully - to cloud his perception, which reminded me of what the greatest joy of Christmas was all about. The truth was staring me once again in the face and I did not appreciate the simplicity of the gift William was sharing with me. He was right, the most appropriate thing to present to God was tools but God has no need for tools that require electricity nuts or bolts. The tools that God requires are a kind heart, compassion and a willingness to reach out and touch someone in need, someone whom the rest of the world may have forgotten.

It is not really surprising to learn that Christmas is one of the most difficult and loneliest times of the year for far too many people. When we stop and take stock of all we have and how we have been blessed, it is easy to forget that not all peoples have the things that we often take for granted. Not everyone has a warm home, a bountiful table or even a loved one with whom to share the special days. Not everyone is celebrating this holiday season in the relative security of peace.

I know that the need to be ‘politically correct’ has strained the freedoms with which some authors feel that they can quote from religious texts but I personally have no such problems. The Bible has been the fundamental truth in Western culture that has championed the causes of political guarantees and freedoms that have been gained for women, minorities and the dependant in our society. In its pages, Christ, whose birthday is celebrated on Christmas Day, exhorts us to become the vessels through which the hungry and thirsty are fed. He pleads that the naked be clothed and that the sick be tended. He implores that those that are imprisoned whether in prisons or by sickness be visited, even when they are strangers to us, so that they know they are not alone. He teaches that we indeed are the tools that he can use; through whom love compassion and righteousness can abound in the daily life of the less fortunate. If nothing else, my son reminded me that the real gift of Christmas is that we are given a special opportunity each year to give; that the act of giving, whether acted out openly or in anonymity has rewards that far out weigh any practical measures.

So this year, shave a little off your Christmas gift budget and use it to help support a local charity and your local church groups or any other social and cultural organization involved in gathering food items for Christmas baskets or food banks, clothing and furniture or welcoming those new to our city. Remember the organizations that help protect those in special need like the Red Cross, Shield of Athena, Dans la Rue or the Missing Kids Network.

Closer to home, it is easy to forget that our neighbours may be having a difficult time, especially those who have lost a loved one this year or friends with whom we have lost touch. Call to say ‘hi’ or offer a lift to go shopping if the weather has been particularly bad; such a gesture for a senior with mobility issues is a lifeline to the outside. Visit a friend whose children are all out of town just to say hello. These are all gifts whose value is immeasurable for they are gifts of the Christmas spirit.

If nothing else, I am thankful this Christmas that I am surrounded by such wise children and happy to have few days off to spend with them. The day is fast approaching when opportunities like these will become few and far between. I am also thankful that my youngest is still innocent enough to have faith in a God who will make all things right and cling to the hope that peace and good will, will soon come to all men and women of the world. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Season’s Greetings and the Happiest New Year.