The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Time to Share

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

I was writing a Christmas letter to a friend of my daughter's telling her we need to get out of our comfort zones at times, so we can experience the good things God has in store for us.

Routine is comfortable, and predictable, but if we don't allow some change in our lives, we can never grow or excel to higher levels.

I guess that is why I like Christmas so much. People are more apt to change at this time than any other time of the year.

The dwindling letter writing of our ancestors is brought back in Christmas cards, notes, and letters, and people share their time and their talents with others.

Patients and customers bring gifts to their doctors, dentists, bankers, pharmacists, and other various businesses.

Businesses go out of their way to thank patrons. Special people in the community go out of their way to clean other people's walks and driveways.

Neighbors invite neighbors over for cookie baking and tasting.

Then, of course, there are the angel trees, the school collections for the food pantry, toys collected for children, and extra gifts we give the dozen different charities and organizations.

Did I forget to mention the special community meals people and organizations put on?

Then village boards, Lions Club, churches, and other clubs and groups fix fruit baskets for seniors or shut-ins.

There are Christmas concerts, carolers, and programs designed to lighten the heart and bring joy to the world.

There are the decorating, the tree-lighting services, and soon the up-coming Christmas Eve Candlelight services that are so dear to the heart of many.

I know our family has always looked forward to the time we can share together the importance of the manger on Christmas Eve before we open our presents on Christmas day.

It all happens out of our comfort zone.Wouldn't it be a shame if we never stopped our routines for this wonderful time of sharing in the good news of Christ's birth?