Touched by the real meaning of Christmas

Originally appeared on spirituality.com.

During my college years I looked at holidays a bit like Harry Potter. Where could I go and what could I do that would keep me away from home? The difference was that I had parents who loved me and wanted to see me. But still my visits home were seldom happy or harmonious during this period.

When fall of my sophomore year came, I began thinking up fantasies about the perfect holiday away from home, one that would not offend my folks. But the funny thing was—it wasn’t happening.

Just before Thanksgiving, however, there was a subtle shift in my thought as I considered what I was grateful for—and there was so much! I realized that I couldn’t just go away for the Christmas holidays looking for a place to take from—I had to be ready to offer something. I had to identify myself as a blessing, not as a black hole or needy student.

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