"Light up the Night"

Tonight our family as well as many families in our neighborhood celebrated our First Annual "Light up the Night." It was started so that we could donate the money that we would usually spend on Neighbor gifts to someone who could use it during the holidays. It was a wonderful night filled with lots of friends and neighbors coming together for a good cause. The circle around my corner was filled with lots of lights and luminaries. We had a few fire pits to keep us warm, and lots and lots of treats and hot chocolate. We were read a terrific story that I would love to share with you, so that you may fill the spirit of giving like we did tonight. It is called "Christmas Jars" by Jason F. Wright.

One year ago I was among a handful of unlucky local residents burglarized on Christmas Eve. Seeing your home dismantled and defiled is something indescribable. But it wasn't what I missed that most changed me. It was what I found. During the shuffling in and out of my apartment that memorable night, an anonymous angel left a jar filled with coins and a few 20 dollar bills. On it was inscribed: "The Christmas Jar." I found no name and no explanation. Since that December evening one year age, a blessed mystery has unfolded. Suffice it to say that despite my best denials, the spirit of the jar has affected me too. Though I cannot know how many have been similarly affected by the Christmas Jar tradition, I sense the number is impressive, I suspect many of you today will take jars you've kept tucked away in your homes and deliver them to someone in need. Those needs will vary from social, to emotional, and, of course, to financial. The decision about whom to bless will be made in private ways and in private places. Some will gather around kitchen tables later this morning; others will kneel in prayer on soft living room rugs. Some will not decide until the car seemingly stops itself beside some lonely wanderer. In the days that come, neither givers nor receivers will discuss their experiences beyond the walls of their homes. But by weeks end, and without much fanfare, someone will wash a new jar, cleaning it until it sparkles and reflects his or her kind countenance, then with caring hands this person will wipe it dry and place it in its familiar spot. Each night, one by one, family members will empty their pockets and delight at the clink of change hitting the empty glass bottom. Most days will yield a quarter, a dime, perhaps two nickels and a stray penny. Occasionally Mother will make change for herself by dropping in a worn dollar bill and pulling out an appropriate combination of cool silver coins. Over the months that follow, the gathering change will leave no recognizable void. Occasionally the temptation to borrow for laundry, a movie, or the ice-cream truck will float through the house, over the jar, and out the back door. But it never lands. The money is spoken for. Over the course of twelve months these jars will fill slowly but with purpose. Every day, if only for and instant, the benefactor will consider Christmas. For most, there will be a sweet daily reminder of what this day we call Christmas means. Most will pause, if only for an instant, to consider the miracle of a perfect baby boy born in manger under the brilliant star that predicted it all. Tonight a grateful single mother, or a homeless man, or a young struggling couple -or perhaps even you- might find such a jar. You will lift it up and hold it a foot from you wet eyes, you will spin it. You will examine its uncanny beauty. Then you will wonder why. The answer is simpler than time and curiosity will tell you. It is not the copper and silver colored coins you will empty onto your coffee table. No, the answer is not in the total you will count and put to good purpose in your life. The answer is what went into the jar each day, long before it ever found you.

Tonight impressed me to do better, and to be better. To be more caring. To try harder. And to GIVE MORE. We were all given a jar at our "Light up the Night" party. I have it out on the porch burning as I now type this. I plan on the day after Christmas to clean it out and to start filling it up so that we can find the perfect person or family to give it to next year. Love--Kathy