As I fumbled around, trying to find just the right story to bring you today, I kept circling back to the word innocence. With the birth of Christ came the purity of God in the form of man. Jesus was without guile. He came into this world, laid in a lowly manger, and grew to teach us every thing we ever need to know to be a good human. He came to teach us to love. To love as we wish to be loved.

In this time of divisiveness, it is hard to see the true goodness in the world. As I looked around for inspiration, I was drawn to this beautiful video. My brother has cerebral palsy. I’ve always been his champion…his protector…his bestie. Ever since I was a little girl. Why? Because he’s my Bubby. And if the tables were turned, he would do the same for me.

We speak on the phone two or three times a week. So when I didn’t hear from him for several days at the beginning of December, I went on the prowl to find out what was going on. As I imagined, he had lost yet another cell phone. The organization that cares for him made sure he got a new one and he finally called me on Friday. 

Phone calls with my brother are long and tedious. He has a terrible stutter and a speech impediment. I have to have the house quiet so I can turn all my focus on him. He’s very patient and if you can’t understand what he’s saying, he’s happy to spell a word for you. When he called after a month of little contact, his voice was absolutely jubilant! It warmed my heart and I was filled with glee.

When I see others like my brother who aren’t as fortunate to be cared for as well, it breaks my heart and makes me cry tears of sadness. And, when I see the incredible character in those who treat people like him with grace, kindness, and respect…it makes me cry tears of joy. This is what happened when I found this video and it was a gift I wanted to share with you today.

The greatest gifts in this life are surely not the things we find under the tree. They aren’t things money can buy. No…the greatest gifts are loving each other. And teaching our children to love and look out for those who are less fortunate than they are. 

I do hope you find joy in the giving of yourself this Christmas Day in whatever way possible.

In His Love…

Ginny

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“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.””

1 Samuel 16:7 CSB