Christmas Rose

This Christmas we celebrate the giving of a rose more beautiful than words can describe. God's gift to the world: the Rose of Sharon! His fragrance fills our heart and especially during this season of the year, His warm, loving presence seems to even flood our world. People are kinder, gentler, more loving, more friendly, more giving than at any other time of the year.

People are lonely too at Christmas more than at any other time of the year. I heard a story that touched my heart and I hope will touch yours. It's about an elderly lady named Rose. She lives aloneand apparently has no family, but there's a faithful Avon lady who calls on her regularly. The Avon lady related with sadness how Rose selected and purchased an Avon item, then looked at her and asked, "Could you wrap this up for Christmas for me and write on a card, 'To Rose, from Santa'?"

Our hearts break as we realize how many others, just like Rose, live all around us in our world today. They watch the warm family love and fellowship of everyone around them and they weep alone. Jesus Christ, the Rose of Sharon, came to earth for them too. Look around; is there a "Rose" in your community, your church, your neighborhood?

Let's share the fragrance of Christ-a smile, a hug, some warm baked cookes, a small gift-something that says, "Smile...God loves you...and I do too. Think about it, do it, and you will have a blessed day!