This poem was written on December 25th 1864 during the American Civil War by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (one of my favorites). It could have been written today just as easily. At a time when so many are priviledged and so many more are facing a life of poverty, hunger and /or violence, it seems that we can only hope that peace will prevail.
For my family (even though we are Christian), Christmas is not a religious holiday. It is about Santa and reindeer and family gatherings. However, it is a good time to think about what we have been blessed with and recommit to helping those without. Someone at work had a wonderful idea to share with others. Instead of giving gifts to each other, we donated to Heifer International (which is based here in Arkansas). Animals are given to needy families all over world. There is a lot of education involved as well...how to take care of the animals, breed them, etc. The first born female is then donated to another needy family in that same community. It is a great investment and will help communities and individual families. Plus it is kind of cool to say that you bought a llama for someone!!!
To those celebrating other holidays this season, I wish you the best and hope that 2007 is prosperous and blessed by God for you and your family.
5 comments:
Tamara,
This has been one of my favorite Christmas songs also. You are so right, the message is timeless.
Scott
Thanks Scott. Why are you not at work? We are sitting around and doing nothing.
Bad bad news to tell you: Tony's sister and her daughter were killed in Atlanta over the weekend by a boyfriend (not sure who's). Then he killed himself. I am going to get a card today. We are taking up money for flowers.
We're giving a flock of geese from Heifer International to a friend. I wish more people would give us these sorts of gifts.
It is a great way to help people. So you already had heard of this? I feel stupid because I have heard of it for a long time but never knew what it really was. It is actually a good gift to give for those people that "have everything". Instead of buying them a gift, you buy a llama (or ducks, geese etc) in their name!
I had heard of some groups doing this, but this year my sister clued me in to Heifer.
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