“Merry Weihnachten!” I’ve been saying this holiday greeting every time you go. And shortly I’ll be repeating “Happy New Year!”
I’m determined to be as welcoming as I can to Charlie since he’s not around to make it happen. We lost him in December 1997 during Christmas time for Christ who he loved and served.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Charlie Smith, you heard him say “Merry Merry Christmas as well as Happy New Year” not only during December, but all year long. For those who didn’t know him, I’d like to introduce you to him.
Charlie was an accountant for the span of 24 years, until he started losing his eyesight. It was a painfully slow process that lasted for decades, eventually leading to blindness. His declining eyesight forced his retirement at 45.
However, Charlie did not complain about his circumstance even when an unfathomably glowing light flashed on and away in his eye for every day over the past few years. Every Wednesday for over 16 years, the man facilitated an annual service at a local nursing residence.
He also visited residents who weren’t able to go in the main lobby to receive service, going from room to room and letting them know that someone was there. When asked what someone who has given so much of himself over time gets in return, Charlie said, “I’ve been rewarded many times over the course of my life. You might walk through the door feeling depressed and sluggish, but you’ll always feel great after you leave.”
Then, he continued to discuss how residents were enjoyable to be around even though he’d seen them in moments when they were sad and depressed, or sick. His genuine concern for them stemmed from the faith he had in God and he believed that God was worthy of all praise for all good deeds.
What better values to live by than to give generously to others in the same way that God has done when He presented us with His most precious offer, Jesus Christ? What if we regarded the needs of others first?
Imagine what the world could be as if we viewed every day as if it was the beginning of the new year. Wouldn’t we be able to have a more positive outlook on life if put the past to rest in anticipation of every new day?
If we did live “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year” year-round as humans, we’d be messengers who bring “glory for God with the greatest form, on earth peace, goodwill and peace towards people” (Luke 2:14).
What did Charlie trying to convey? “Merry” is a synonym for happy”Merry” means cheerful, in addition “Christmas” means a time to celebrate the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, and also the time to be generous and thinking about other people. “Happy” is described as happiness and joy. The term “new year” refers to a fresh start or a clean slate for time.
In his life span of 72 years, Charlie Smith demonstrated what is meant by being a Christian since He was a reflection of Christ. He was able to see the people who were around him with an eye of love.
Be present every day by singing “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year” in your heart, and then share it with your friends!
-” Jan White has compiled a collection of her columns in her book “Everyday Faith for Daily Life.”
The article ColumN: What would happen if we celebrated the season’s greetings all throughout the year? appeared first on The Andalusia Star-News.
