Well, Christmas is fast approaching as the Thorold Santa Claus parade has already come and gone. It was an amazing show of community spirit as young and elderly braved the cold, wet, drizzly day to participate as floats slowly inched their way through town. There were more than 48 participant groups including various floats representing a host of social groups, businesses and churches. It was awesome to see this great tradition continue in which community is drawn together with uplifted spirits.
There was one float in particular in which a pick-up truck was carrying a giant box wrapped with Christmas paper and a bow. I must admit it jogged my memory back to many years ago when my three siblings and I would run down the stairs with great expectation Christmas morning. It was tradition that my parents would have us open our “ bigger “ gift at the very end of our frenzy. I must say we were never disappointed with that big gift. I now realize how fortunate we were and the sacrifices my parents made.
With age, we begin to realize that this time of the year may be more about giving than receiving. It is a time of year that the best of human kindness is manifested. We read stories of the First World War in which combatants stopped fighting, crossed trenches on Christmas day and exchanged seasonal greetings. These recorded acts of humanity are evidence that there is truly something magical about Christmas.
In our Christian faith we believe that this magic is a result of the biggest gift ever wrapped. This gift to the world was not wrapped with fancy paper and bows but in swaddling clothes. This very act of careful wrapping shows the tender care and affection of Mary.
We are not naive to think that all will be well with everyone during this coming season. We know there will be those children who do not receive a single gift under the tree this year and unfortunately, there will be those who have never experienced the tender and affectionate care portrayed by Mary.
Though these unfortunate situations do exist, we as a city continue to come together through our various agencies, businesses and religious organizations to wrap those less fortunate in swaddling clothes of love.
From the trenches of World War One to a present-day parade, we celebrate the greatest gift of all which is love. In scripture (1 John 4:7) we are encouraged to love one another as love is from God and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
May we be encouraged by the many acts of kindness and love that we give and receive during this magical season.
