It's Christmas

I may be in Thailand but it is still Christmas. Thais, being Buddhist, might not understand what Christmas is all about but they still love the music, the lights, the decorations, the shopping. They actually have some of the best Christmas trees and snowmen I have evr seen. It is quite bizarre, listening to "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas", when you are sweltering in a tropical heat.

Actually, I am just back from Rome and Spain where I went for some work and a meeting. It all makes a bit more sense in that sort of climate and environment. Then it makes me ask the old question - What is the meaning of Christmas? My answer is a little and simple story I have from my time in Spain.

In Spain, I stayed for a couple of nights in the convent of a group of Augustinian nuns. They were most gracious and very friendly. As I left, the Sister who looked after my meals came and gave me one of her handkerchiefs. She explained that she wanted to give me something but had nothing to give except this handkerchief which was marked with her laundry number. The number named the hankie as hers. I was just so touched and just accepted it with a little tear in my eye. Sister, that what giving is all about.

I now carry that hankie with me in my pocket as my reminder of what Christmas is all about. Sister and the hankie say it all.