The season

They say this is the season. What does this really mean? Well, what folks are talking about is the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is noted as “the season” because it is supposed to be the season of giving thanks, of taking note of what we have, and of responding to the needs of others around us who are less fortunate than we are because of Jesus Christ. His birth, His coming to earth to give Himself to us, should inspire us in that way.

Now before I go on with my commentary and sound as if I am passing judgment, let me say very quickly that what I am about to say and talk about applies to me as well as to those who will be reading this blog. I am not innocent just because I write about our flawed society.

It is rather ironic that this time of year, the season, stirs up emotions within us that cause us to want to help others. I say ironic because the needs of the homeless, newly released felons, single mothers struggling to survive, the poor who live day to day and work menial jobs, and many others likely not mentioned, continue throughout the year.

We suddenly become aware of these folks between November and the beginning of the New Year. Television ads range from the plight of animals in shelters to all manner of human need. It is the time of year that causes us to think of all the needs that are mentioned.

These needs do not suddenly spring up after Halloween. They do not go away after Christmas. They continue unabated long after the shoebox gifts have been opened and enjoyed. The poor are not permanently relieved of their poverty because we dropped a few coins in a bell ringer’s bucket. The homeless seemingly melt into oblivion but are never far away, working to stay warm in a cardboard bed on a concrete sidewalk mattress.

Is this blog depressing? It should be. I do not know what the answer is other than for us to be involved in whatever way our pocketbooks and bodies and time can be throughout the year. That is not to say do not respond during this season. By all means do. Folks need you. They need me. They need all of us. 

I just want this post to be a reminder that will fill our thoughts and hearts after “the season” is over. Give regularly. Give generously. Give wholeheartedly. Care always. About the hurting, the poor, the destitute. Always.