"A Season of Kindness"

December 17, 2023 | By Chuck

             There seems to be a change every year as the holiday season begins. With this festive season full of lights, decorated trees, wreaths, Christmas cookies, and treats, there seems to be another change that takes over for the month, kindness. For some time, I have noticed a fresh spirit of kindness seems to be in the air throughout the holiday season. People seem to be warmer and more inviting. Folks are more apt to acknowledge and maybe even speak to a stranger. Random acts of kindness, big and small, are more frequent. It’s a beautiful thing to see neighbors helping neighbors and people speaking and being kind to one another at the store.

            Could it be that the holiday season ushers in a season of kindness each year? Do you notice more kindness this time of year? Have you thought about it? My concern is that as we ring in the New Year of 2024 and head back to our busy schedules we will fall back into our normal and comfortable ruts. I’m not saying we’re mean or even unkind January through November, but kindness does seem more noticeable in December. My thoughts are not profound, but rather simple. Anyone can be kind to everyone they encounter, but let’s continue this season of kindness into the New Year and throughout 2024.

            “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).