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Sister Clara: My most treasured gift came from the heart
Douglas County Republican
Tue Dec 23 2003
Look all around you. What do you see? The hustle and bustle of another holiday season. Shelves in the stores are stocked with new attractive items. People wander up and down the aisles looking, touching and deciding which gift to select. And, yes, some traditions have special religious practices to celebrate the coming days.
This time of year ushers in the opportunity to join our family, friends, co-workers and communities in a variety of celebrations. It is at times like these that our spirits are lifted by the many ways the human community celebrates special times together. While most of us are familiar with our own tradition, it is both interesting and inspiring to learn of the variety of practices in other cultures, as well.
At Christmas the Christian community celebrates the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
Manger scenes, pageants, and special church services all commemorate this historical event. While the four preceding weeks of Advent (the coming) are a special time of preparation, the joy of Christmas is celebrated from Dec. 25 until Jan. 6 when the coming of the Magi is remembered. Unfortunately, for many of us in America, since the Industrial Revolution this time has been changing from a religious celebration to a secular day and season.
The legendary figure who supposedly brings gifts for the children on Christmas Eve is Santa Claus. Introduced in this country by Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam, this is an American adaptation of some European traditions about St. Nicholas. He is remembered as one born of very rich parents, who after their deaths distributed all his wealth among the poor. Many of the traditions associated with Santa Claus have come from other countries.
Our Jewish friends and neighbors are celebrating Hanukkah through December 19-26. This is an eight-day festival during which Jewish people commemorate the victory of Judah Maccabee and his followers over the armies of the Syrian Greeks in 165 B.C.E. The freedom to reclaim and rededicate the Temple of Jerusalem was a time of great joy and is still remembered today. Gift giving is a part of this traditional celebration.
Many African Americans will be celebrating Kwanza from December 26 to 31. This is a spiritual, festive and joyous celebration of the oneness and goodness of life. Gift-giving is a part of this celebration, but individuals are encouraged to exchange hand-made gifts instead of purchased ones.
On Nov. 25, the Muslim community celebrated 'Eid-ul-Fir' (The Festival of Fast Breaking), in much the same spirit as many celebrate Christmas. Prayer, visiting and gift-giving characterize this feast, which has a strong religious orientation.
Included in each of these traditions is one common practice, gift-giving. Upon reflection we will discover it is not so much what we give but why we give that is really important. In gratitude we offer our thanks to God for the many gifts we have been given. It is with gratitude, too, that we exchange gifts as a way of sharing ourselves.
My story is that of a little boy, orphaned at the death of his mother, who came to live with his stern and verbally-abusive aunt. His life at home had none of the warmth of a caring adult. Hence, he found the attentions of his preposterously young teacher (me, at 22) very inviting. At the risk of displeasing his aunt, he often stayed after school to assist me with putting the classroom back in order after the day's lessons.
As Christmas approached, I noticed that he not only remained less frequently, but also seemed to rush out of the room. Puzzled, I inquired if something was wrong.
I still remember him looking at me a little sheepishly and responding that nothing was wrong. He was making me something for Christmas. When the time for the exchange of gifts finally arrived, the little boy came with a tiny wooden box and handed it to me. When I opened it, I discovered nothing inside. Upon further inquiry, he explained that his mother had always said that love was the best gift he could give anyone, and even though I could not see it, there was lots of love inside that small box and he wanted me to have it. Of all the gifts I have ever received, it is this one I treasure the most.
That small box, filled with love, continues to hold a place of honor on my desk today. It was not the gift, but the person giving the gift that made the difference. The small boy had given of himself, returning my love for him one-hundred fold.
And we? As we celebrate the holiday season this year, will we share a part of ourselves with our gift to others? Will our gift-giving be a reminder that it is love that forms the basis for our sharing?
Merry Christmas!
Editor's note---Sister Clara is the principal of St. John the Baptist School in Arcola
:)
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