Happy Christmas Dear Reader,
I usually speak of this sooner in the season. It is one of those moments that makes my
heart race. It is always a sound
first. Then it is echolocation followed
by seeking and finding. It is action and
hope and giving without hope of return.
The clear high-pitched sound carries across the parking
lot. I am headed in its direction in any
event. The shopping I need to do,
however, takes a back seat to the moment.
I savor the moment every year.
The clear sound of the bell carrying through the air calls me like the scent
of fresh bread or the sighting of a long-missed friend.
The bell and I have spent many hours together. That first time each year, our visit is
brief. It is calling me to give. I spot the sign and the red kettle soon
enough. My mind begins to sing the song
for which this sound is written. I
search my pocket for my money clip and withdraw some cash.
Folding the money properly, twice across the length, so that
it will fit the kettle opening, I make eye contact with the bell ringer. My mirth is obvious and my intent clear. I never pass a kettle without putting
something in it. It fills me with joy to
do so. In the last years, however, there
is also a tinge of sadness.
Fewer and fewer people make time for this joyful activity as
volunteers. Too often, the kettle is
absent or they stand there with no ringer.
I make time to ring bells every season. I cannot cover them all or I
would. It is not too late Dear
Reader. It is a simple thing to contact
your local Salvation Army office and volunteer.
The process is easy.
More important is the opportunity to help people in need
through an organization that makes sure that over ninety percent of donations
go directly to the work. One also gets
to see others in the vulnerable moment of giving. Whether it is a child putting pennies in or
someone who gets the purpose and is donating out of joy, there is a special
moment. There is that moment of
releasing something that we hold for the benefit of people we do not know. It is a sacred act performed amidst the world
of avarice and commerce. That moment of
release is holy and beautiful.
This is a small way to lean and teach the idea of carrying
Christmas in our hearts. It is a sound
that can become a herald of the season, of joy, and of hope for us all. It is a song that can raise us above the clamor
and commerce to remember that love, generosity, and kindness are the real
currency of the season and should mark the entire year. Remember the next time you hear the bells
carried on the wind that it is the meaning of the season calling you to it.
Silver
Bells – She and Him
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks.
Dressed in holiday style
In the air, there's a feeling of Christmas
(Children laughing,
People passing,
Meeting smile after smile)
And on every street corner, you'll hear
Silver bells, (Silver bells) Silver bells, (silver bells)
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling),
Hear them ring (hear them ring)
Soon it will be Christmas day.
(Strings of streetlights
Even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush
Home with their treasures
Hear the snow crunch
See the kids rush
This is Santa's big day
And above all this bustle you'll hear
Silver bells) the corner Santa Claus,
(Silver bells), it's busy now because
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, (it fills the winter air)
Hear them ring (you'll hear it everywhere)
Soon it will be Christmas day.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every
writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a
homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure
store.”
(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Contacts for Aramis
Thorn:
Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com
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