Generosity, time to rest, and the Christian message of hope and love; these are some of the things we love about Christmas. But can we maintain them all year round? Our Helping Hands panellists: Felicia Limmer of Vision Christian Radio, youth worker Nathan Brewer, and Michaela Chanmugam of Samaritan’s Purse, say yes, we can.
Besides the great beach weather and delicious treats to look forward to, there are many things to love about Christmas. There’s the buzz we get from giving, the chance to rest, and the message of God’s hope and love. Why only look forward to them at Christmas?
In this Helping Hands panel discussion, Felicia Limmer (Vision Radio presenter), Nathan Brewer (youth worker) and Michaela Chanmugam (marketing manager at Samaritan’s Purse) say it is possible to experience these special things about Christmas throughout the year.
Resting and Resetting
At Christmas time, our children may get excited about the presents, but for most adults, the chance to rest is at the top of the wish list.
“We have some space to actually recalibrate, to think about what we've been doing in our world, and to spend time with those we love,” says Felicia Limmer, “and for some people, that's the only time of the year where we get that space to actually do that.”
Although we can’t replicate our summer holidays year-round, we can still carve out regular rest, says Nathan Brewer.
“You can have those intentional times where you slow down with people you love,” he says. “I think it’s something to really weave in [to the year] as much as you can.”
The Spirit of Generosity
Gifts aren’t the only form of giving. We can express generosity by volunteering, sharing a meal, supporting charities, and being kind. Nathan encourages parents to model this all year.
“Start training your kids as young as you can to be generous to others,” he says. “Getting kids to give and be generous with others all year round is actually pretty easy. Giving them opportunities … to turn their focus outward really pays off.”
The charity Samaritan’s Purse is known for its annual Operation Christmas Child initiative, for which Australian families fill shoeboxes with gifts for children in poverty. It’s something we can contribute to all year, explains Michaela Chanmugam.
“One of the things [that’s] really beautiful is when you see children give to kids on maybe the other side of the globe that are the same age,” Michaela says. “Packing a shoe box year-round is definitely a way to be mindful of other people.”
Faith and Hope
Felicia Limmer reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas is “that we have a Saviour, and with that, a relationship with God”. This is something we can draw on in every season and it’s a message she shares 365 days a year as a presenter at Vision Christian Radio.
“Everything we do is helping to make sure that that is woven throughout the year,” she says.
The hope of the Christian message is a helpful focus during Christmas, says Nathan, especially for people who may be living in challenging situations.
“Lots of families can't afford gifts,” he said. “The happy vibes and spirit, lots of people don't have those. And so, I think finding that deeper, real, true meaning, can apply to everyone. That's a hope that can't be taken away. That's where the Christmas spirit can last all year.”
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