It's finally here. Today is Christmas Day! Its a time of giving to others. A Merry Christmas from all of us at Rayneau Group of Companies Ltd.
It is better to give than receive. We hear it all
the time - especially this time of year. But sometimes I wonder if we really
believe it.
We say the phrase as if the generalization is a
forgone conclusion. We print it on bumper stickers and billboards. We teach it
to our children. And we mutter it under our breath when circumstances don’t go
as expected.
Seasons' Greetings from Rayneau.mp4
But in reality, the axiom is difficult to live
out.
We live in a world that seeks personal gain, even
encourages it. And as a result, we want to make sure the things we receive are
equal to the gifts that we give especially during Christmas.
Christmas is a celebration of love and joy and
peace. These are the greatest gifts we can ever give. But they are often the
most difficult—especially if we have not received them from others.
We dig in our heels. We decide we will offer
forgiveness, but only if they make the first phone call. We will show
love, but only after they sacrifice something. And we may respond in
goodness, but only after they start showing some kindness to us
first.
Suddenly, we fall into the same foolish trap
believing it is better to receive than give.
But the themes of Christmas should not be kept to
ourselves. They can only be experienced when given away.
Love - Christmas
is a season of love—a celebration of sacrificing what we have to show
appreciation to those who mean the most. And while expressing love to another
may be the most beautiful thing we can ever do, it can also be one of the most
difficult—especially when those who should love us the most withhold it. Love
anyway. True love is not self-seeking. It keeps no record of wrongs. And
demands nothing in return.
Joy. This
world never allows for perfect circumstances. And those who wait to find joy in
them never will. It is unwise to base our happiness fully on the actions of
others. But that doesn’t mean we can’t bring a little joy into the life of
another by the things that we do and the words that we say. We can still be
intentional about spreading joy wherever we go.
Peace
- Family and personal relationships can cause
conflict, turmoil, and stress at any time, but the tensions are often
heightened during the holidays. Offer the gift of peace this Christmas by
taking the first step. One phone call or conversation may not make amends for
years of hurt, but it is still the first step that needs to get taken by
somebody.
Hope
- Hope
is one of the greatest assets in the entire world. It is one of the greatest
treasures we can ever find for ourselves. And it is one of the greatest gifts
we can ever give to somebody else. See the good in others. Believe in their
greatest potential. And encourage often.
Reconciliation - At
its heart, Christmas is a story of reconciliation. A baby was born to offer
forgiveness to those who need it most. In the same way, the holiday season
creates opportunity to offer forgiveness and reconciliation to those who
need it most in our lives. We can take the first step. Even before an apology
has ever been uttered, we can lay the foundation for reconciliation that
makes it possible.
Goodwill
- People
may desire to harm us, but wishing pain and suffering upon them in response
only compounds the hurt. Harboring resentment, ill will, and bitterness in our
hearts allows their actions to control us indefinitely into the future. On the
other hand, wishing goodwill upon those who hurt us frees our soul. And it
allows us to move on to better things.
These are the themes of Christmas and we
should grant them freely. The greatest gifts we can give during
Christmas are the very things we most desire to receive.
Season's Greetings from the management and staff
of Rayneau Group of Companies Ltd.
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