CLEVELAND, Ohio – Don’t have enough stress already? How about agonizing over the “perfect” holiday gift?
Just what we all need in the age of COVID-19.
Here’s what not to do: Go from one store to another, hour-after-hour with no clue what you really want to buy. A great idea as the virus is spreading everywhere, right?
What is the point of the season to you? How do you want to bless the person?
If you’re a Christian, it is about the birth of Jesus. It is about God sending his son to give us the gift of forgiveness. Too many people are carrying around the bags of regret and “If only...” to point where they are weighed down at times in despair.
Forgiveness is the greatest gift I’ve ever received. Praying and accepting God’s forgiveness is a great gift we can give to ourselves – even if some people refuse to forgive us.
If you’re Jewish, Hanukkah began this week. It’s the season of miracles and remembering when God showed his light into our lives in a supernatural way.
I know God intervened in a situation and ”made a way out of no way,” as the church folks used to say. But we too often take it for granted. This is should be the season to remember those times and give thanks. If someone helped you in a tough spot, you can call and thank them again...even if they say it “was no big deal.”
Everyone likes to hear the words: “Thank You!”
Hanukkah is the season of light, remembering when God brought us out of darkness. Photo by Terry Pluto / Cleveland.com
WHAT’S THE POINT OF GIVING?
My friend Gary Rosen mentioned we’ve lost track of a lot people in our lives because of shutdowns, etc. He suggested sending and notes and cards to people you miss, and telling them why you miss them.
It’s a good idea, and it should be more than a quick text. But even a quick text is something. A phone call is even better. Those of us of a certain age long to hear the voices of the younger people in our lives.
On my Facebook page, Laura wrote: “I would prefer to share someone’s time without technical devices. It would be nice to have a relaxed meal, play some board games. I don’t want or need stuff.”
The hard part is COVID-19 makes it risky to visit some people in person, especially those with pre-existing conditions. As Paul wrote, that leads to phone calls, Zoom calls, cards in the mail.
Mary wrote of admiring the gems of a necklace worn by her mother-in-law. Her mother-in-law took some of the gems and had them made into a special necklace for Mary.
“I cherish it even more since she’s gone,” wrote Mary.
Paul also gave a special necklace made from his old high school ring to his daughter when she was 22.
“She has yet to take it off,” he said. “It means as much to her as it does to me.”
My wife Roberta had a Christmas creche’ when she was a child. Her mother gave her a donkey for the stable scene. She still has it and treasures the gift from about 60 years ago.
This is a homemade card from one of the men who was in Terry Pluto's jail ministry class. Photo by Terry Pluto / Cleveland.com
GETTING PRACTICAL
Along with cards and calls, most people can use cash and/or gift cards.
That’s especially true in this economy.
Most people who shop online would love to have a card from a place such as Amazon or Walmart, which deliver stuff right to the door. And they can pick out what they want.
How about cards from grocery stores? Everyone has to eat. A card and some cash is right on time for many people. Maybe add a note saying, “I was thinking and praying about you. God wanted me to bless you.”
I still have some homemade cards from men in our jail Bible study.
We have to get beyond stuff and to the heart of the season, which can’t be purchased at any store.
RECENT TERRY PLUTO FAITH & YOU COLUMNS
What should we say to people and families when COVID-19 hits close to home?
Memories of a typewriter and a big thank you to readers
A lesson in black & white from the old Red Barn
Driving myself crazy? Perfectionism during the pandemic
Another night with the frogs: Do I want to get well?
Is it worth destroying a close relationship over politics?
Pioneer Pastor Diana Swoope dies, inspiration to those with cancer.
The trap of wanting to be liked
What to say to someone who has cancer
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: A land of massive rocks, bugs, bears and beauty
Shelter In Place is rough on those in Nursing Homes
Can you really forgive and forget when it’s so painful?
"save" - Google News
December 13, 2020 at 07:59PM
https://ift.tt/2INPe0m
Need a Christmas gift? Read this and save yourself a headache – Terry Pluto’s Faith & You - cleveland.com
"save" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2SvBSrf
https://ift.tt/2zJxCxA
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Need a Christmas gift? Read this and save yourself a headache – Terry Pluto’s Faith & You - cleveland.com"
Post a Comment