A Tribute To The Unmistakable Legend: Whitney Houston. (Also her godmother: ARETHA! on this Special)! 22nd and 25th February! 
Julen-Att ge är en välsignelse / Christmas - Giving Is A Blessing
(English version of original Swedish publication): USA behöver
stöd, inte fördomanden Österbotteningen Tidning:
Lördag 13 oktober 2001
Christmas brings a new life to those that believe in the Season. Much before Christmas comes, the mood around the world changes. It is the anticipation of lovely days ahead of giving joy, meeting friends and family, and feeling the spirit in the air that changes the most negative person to positive moods.
Christmas makes a person different. The same man, who you never see smiling, laughs during Christmas. That is the festive spirit of Christmas and that is why it is a lovely festival.
The most important part of Christmas is of course celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ. Another joy of Christmas that makes it so special is giving. We send so many cards to friends and family that we lose the count. Similarly giving gifts is very important. Selecting the right gift for everyone, wrapping it lovingly and sending it across, all this is joyful. This joy cannot be described in words.
Christmas is celebrated by Christians the world over and we believe that the greatest of Christmas Presents ever is the Gift of Jesus. We believe that Christmas Presents are a token to remind them about the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, which was brought by the three Kings.
Unfortunately over the years Christmas has become very commercialized. The evolution of the advertising industry made Christmas a season that was to be enjoyed with tables groaning with food and stores emptied of its merchandise.
In early times gifts were either fruits or sweets or a home made handicraft which was appreciated unlike the expensive ones of today that may capture one's fancy for a very short time.
It would be good if one were to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas without the unnecessary trappings. The Christmas gifts then given will be more meaningful for both parties.
As I said earlier, it is the giving that is the major reason of happiness. If we look at our moods and behavior, we find that we always derive greater joy in giving compared to receiving. Can we not celebrate this spirit of giving everyday? Can we not get this joy everyday? Can we not make someone happy everyday? We can.
With conscious effort, we can do one act a day that makes somebody genuinely happy. Why not carry the spirit of Christmas all the year and enjoy the happiness of giving. One is blessed when one gives. Let us get these blessings round the year.
Merry Christmas and a very blessed New Year 2011! Christian-Charles de Plicque, Journalist/Evangelist Angel House International Missions Ministries r.f Karleby Finland ( November 2011)
