My apologies to Dr. Dick Blount, who will be upset at the attention.
I have known Dick, a retired opthalmologist, for many years as an elder in our church and a great conversationalist.
Only last year did a member of our church tell me about his Christmas tradition. It bears repeating and, more importantly, it bears imitating, for his attitude represents the essence of the Christmas spirit.
Every year Dick would include the following letter with his December invoices:
“Christmas is a happy and joyous time of the year for most of us as we count our many blessings. However, this year the season brings real concern for some.
“Many of my patients are on pensions or limited fixed incomes from various sources. Other persons have special situations that are affecting them at this time and have unique problems.
“I hope this thought will be helpful to you: If you plan to handle your statement in December, please feel free to make a reduction on the balance of your account if you are in one of these situations. I will let you determine the amount as you know your situation better than I.
“This is a private matter between you and me and no discussion with our office is needed. This applies to your December statement, which you may return to my bookkeeper indicating any adjustment. Merry Christmas!”
As Dick points out, Christmas is a happy time but it is also an expensive time. The increasingly material nature of Christmas makes what should be a joyous time a stressful time for those struggling to make ends meet.
The Great Google tells me that half of American businesses don’t give Christmas bonuses. If you are a business owner and you are not giving Christmas bonuses, treat yourself to a full watching (or reading) of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”.
There are so many ways to meaningfully spread Christmas cheer and grace.
Giving more at your church would be a start. Many of our churches are still struggling with shortfalls from the Great Recession hangover. If you tithe, make sure you fulfill your pledge and then some. If you don’t tithe, consider starting this year.
As Dr. Blount pointed out, each individual knows his or her situation and what they can give. The important thing is to understand that letting go of the money frees the heart.
I am, of course, preaching to the converted. I am blessed to live in the most generous state in the country.
How beautiful that Mississippians, with the lowest per capita income in the nation, give a higher percentage to charity than residents of any other state. That shows we’ve got our priorities straight. The blessings will keep coming.
I was sitting in church Sunday when the children began their monthly “fleecing of the flock,” as our minister Steve Burton jokingly calls it. They fan out with little bags seeking “change for children.” The money goes to a Honduran soup kitchen, one I have visited and seen the faces of the laughing children as they eat a good meal.
I had no spare change, so I gave a dollar instead. Then another little child came up to me with her bag open and gazed at me. She had big blue eyes and a precious smile. I gave another dollar. Then a five.
The kids were doing a really good job that day and fleeced me of all my money except a $100 bill I won in a frivolous tennis bet.
I rarely carry big bills. I noticed how my mind completely blocked out the notion of parting with the Ben Franklin. Selfishness is perhaps the most fundamental characteristic of mankind.
Who needs that $100 more? Me or them? The answer to that is so obvious, I was suddenly appalled at my hesitation. In it went.
When I left church I was walking on air. I was so full of the Christmas spirit, the rest of the day was full of joy, far beyond anything I could have purchased for $100.
I could afford the $100. Maybe one day, if I pay off my debts, I can do more. The amount doesn’t matter. For some, $10 in the Salvation Army bucket is a big sacrifice. The point is this: Your reward through the spirit will be far in excess of what you give.
The essence of Christmas and Christianity is as simple as it is powerful.
