Bob Meade - Tis the season ...

As this is being written, we have just begun a new liturgical year in Christian churches. The church year starts with the Season of Advent, which means the “coming.” Advent starts on the Sunday closest to St. Andrew’s day, which is Nov. 30, and ends when the Christmas season begins on Dec. 25. The Christmas season, which celebrates the birth of the Christ child, lasts for 12 days, ending on Jan. 5.

The Season of Epiphany follows on Jan. 6. Among other things, it is the period which commemorates the coming of the Magi; the three kings who brought gifts to the newborn child. In many of the Eastern Rite Churches Jan. 6 is often referred to as “Russian Christmas,” as that is the date when they share their Christmas gifts with one another. In most churches, Epiphany continues until the beginning of the Lenten season, which starts on Ash Wednesday.

In remembrance of Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness, Lent is a period of 40 days, not including Sabbath days that Christians use for sacrifice, reflection and preparation for the coming of Easter. The period includes Holy Thursday, which signifies the Last Supper; the introduction of Holy Eucharist. That is followed by Good Friday which commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Holy Saturday is the final day in the Lenten season; ending at sundown, which then begins the Easter eve vigil.

Easter joyfully celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and the season lasts for 50 days. Included in that time is the Ascension, which occurred 40 days after His resurrection, followed 10 days later by Pentecost, which signifies the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles and followers of Jesus.

Pentecost ends at the beginning of Advent, and that will be followed six days after this column is printed when people around the world celebrate Christmas; the birth of the Christ child.

As every parent knows, the birth of a child comes after a long period of anticipation and hope. The birth of a child is a happy, life changing moment in the life of the family. That birth date will be celebrated every year of the newborn child’s life.

So too, do we celebrate the birth day of the Christ Child, Jesus, every year. We do so because His resurrection, which occurred at Easter, showed us that Jesus still lives. As we exchange gifts with our loved ones at Christmas, we are mindful of not only of His birth and the gifts of the Magi, but how he sacrificed Himself for us; to give us the gift of hope for an everlasting life.

As we celebrate His birth, the Christmas season is a wonderful time for each of us to show that we are thankful for the gifts that He has given to us. We can do so not only by the gifts we give, but by the kindness we show or the help that we give to others.

We most often think of “giving” in material ways – a box of candy, a sweater, a nice pair of gloves or money –  to those who are close to us. But there are other ways of giving, ways of helping those we cannot see. St. Vincent DePaul prepares boxes of foodstuffs to give to families in need, so that they may have a festive holiday meal. Dropping off a nice turkey, or any number of other food stuffs at their headquarters on Union Avenue would contribute to those festive meals. But, in addition to foodstuffs, there are other things you may have that are old to you but could be new and useful to someone else. The Salvation Army Store, Goodwill, and St. Vincent De Paul, also welcome gift donations of clothes, bed linens and blankets, a variety of household items, sleds, warm jacket, boots, skis, radios, and other toys. Please take a little time to think of items in your dressers and closets that you rarely wear that are still presentable and could be used by someone else. Cruise on through and see what’s in your attic, basement and garage that might have value and be appreciated by someone else. All these things can be given a new life and bring some joy and comfort to one less fortunate than you. Things that are bulky, like many household items, can be picked up by the organizations you wish to donate them to but, for the most part, you can simply drop them off right at each of the organization’s locations. And, in addition to the new to you items, each of those organizations accept monetary gifts and you can be sure that such gifts will meet the food-clothing-shelter requirements of those most in need. You can make a difference by simply being kind.

Merry Christmas to all, and best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.

Bob Meade is a Laconia resident. He may be reached at bobmeade13@gmail.com.