By Joe Kingsley Eyiah, OCT, Brookview Middle School, Toronto

Christmas is here again! Though we welcome the traditions and sentiments of “peace and goodwill towards all” that Christmas brings with its season, the love of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, should make us live in peace with ALL people at ALL times. Spending money on or showering gifts on the poor ONLY during Christmas is not Christ-like.

The commercial houses and other manufacturers wait on the Christmas season to “exploit” the masses. Whatever this season brings in its trail the biggest lesson therein is that of GIVING. How important is giving? What does it seek to accomplish among humankind?

The Nelson Canadian Dictionary of the English Language among the definitions it assign to “giving” states that, “To endure the loss of; sacrifice. To devote or apply completely”. How interesting! This definition reminds me of the story of the ‘The Giving Tree’-a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein.

According to the story, a female (apple) tree throughout its life becomes friends with a boy (human). They are able to communicate with each other. The tree addresses the human as “Boy” his entire life. The boy in his childhood enjoys playing with the tree, climbing her trunk, swinging from her branches, and eating her apples. As the boy grows into adolescence, he makes requests of the tree! He needs money and the tree allows him to pick and sell her apples for money.

The boy becomes an adult and needs a house the tree gives her branches to the boy to cut and use them to build his house. In his middle age, the boy requires a boat and the tree allows him to cut its trunk for that purpose, so the tree is left with a stump! The giving spirit of the tree continues when the boy (now in his old age) wants only ‘a quiet place to sit and rest’ which the tree (now only a stump) provides. What a sacrifice! What a lesson of giving without expecting anything back!!

It is this lesson of giving as taught in the story of ‘The Giving Tree’ that we all have to learn. The habit of giving freely without expecting anything in return must be cultivated by all. Sacrifice should drive our giving. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Giving brings relief if not directly to you then to someone around you! Note that giving is not only limited to this season. Count your blessings and share your blessings all the time.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!