Long ago, our pagan Germanic cousins got into the ritual of chopping down trees and feeding them into the hearth to restore light and warmth during the dark and cold month of December.
It was easily adaptable into Christmas and today, we’re all vaguely familiar with a yule log, (although some may think it’s a seasonal cheese or oddly spiced cake.)
The tradition continues in some rural communities, where neighbours drop by for a Christmastime drink and to offer a piece of firewood. It’s a strange gift but powerful symbol – some warmth from our home to yours.
With Christmas here, it’s a time for our halls to become overrun with shoes and boots of visitors and laughter emanating from the kitchen table.
But some tables have more empty seats than others.
Take a moment and it won’t be long before you can think of someone you know who may be widowed, ill, separated from family, new in town or just plain alone. This is where the real dark and cold still haunts.
If you’re the only one at your table, there will be plenty of cheer for you with some of the many service organizations that could use a extra little help around the holidays.
For all else, whether it’s out of your devotion to Christmas’ namesake or because you believe in being good for goodness’ sake, we ask you to restore some of the light and warmth.
Reach out to those who are sitting alone and welcome them in.
Everyone’s Christmas will be brighter for it.
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