You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late
Ralph Waldo Emerson

InspirEmail

InspirEmail No 197 - December 20, 2010 - Will this be a good Christmas?
'Inspirational messages to refresh the spirit and boost the emotional bank account'

Will this be a good Christmas?

Will this be a good Christmas? How will you measure it?

To lots of kids, the answer may be embedded in the response to the question: 'Whaddja get?'

On the other hand, retailers will look to sales and profits. What a pity that the spiritual and social potential of this a holiday can be so easily lost.

Of course, Christmas is a profoundly important day of worship to devout Christians, so a 'good' Christmas must include a meaningful religious connection with the teachings of Jesus. But for many Christians and non-Christians, there are other dimensions to this day.

In fact, Christmas is more than a single day; it's a season involving weeks of preparation and celebration devoted to family, friendships and, most important of all, a grand vision of 'peace on earth and goodwill toward men.'

To me, a good Christmas is one that helps us become better people so we can have better lives and a better society.

On a personal level, the optimism, good cheer, and goodwill embodied in the Christmas spirit are antidotes to selfishness and superficiality. They can help us find purpose and meaning in love, kindness, charity, gratitude, and forgiveness.

On a social level, a good Christmas is one where we can say we've made meaningful progress combating homelessness, hunger, and poverty. It would also be a good Christmas if we truly overcame the fears, suspicions, and prejudices that may be hindering our expression of goodwill to all men, regardless of their ethnicity, national origin, or personal religion.

So regardless of your religion, I hope you'll make this Christmas a good one.

Written by Michael Josephson
To learn more about Michael Josephson, please visit his website . . . Character Counts >>>

Featured Positive Inspirational Story

You deserve an Academy Award!

When I was a young girl my father experienced some difficulties. His frustrations often turned to anger, and for one reason or another, his anger was often coupled with violent outbursts. I was twelve and cleaning the house when my two-year-old half-brother insisted on . . . read more >>>

Believe in your heart

Believe in your heart that something wonderful is about to happen and love your life.
Believe in your own powers and your own potential and in your own innate goodness.
Wake every morning with the awe of just being alive.
Discover each day the magnificent awesome beauty in the world.
Explore and embrace life in yourself and in everyone you see each day.
Reach within to find your own specialness.
Amaze yourself and rouse those around you to the potential of each new day.
Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect, as this is the essence of your humanity.
Let those who love you help you and trust enough to be able to take and receive.
Look with hope to the horizon of today for today is all we truly have, so live this day well.
Let a little sun out as well as in and create your own rainbows.
Be open to all your possibilities and always believe in miracles.

Author Unknown

Inspiring Christmas Image

I trust you enjoy this Christmas message . . . I wish you a Merry Christmas - Woof Woof >>>

To view this image you may need to allow download of the file on your internet browser, once completed - allow up to 30 seconds for this image to download and open, please ensure that you have your speakers turned on.

- Inspirational Quote -

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as it is about opening our hearts
Author Unknown

View more Inspirational Quotes >>>

People will forget what you said . . . people will forget what you did . . . but people will never forget how you made them feel

I wish you a very happy festive season and a wonderful start to 2011 and the first issue of InspirEmail for 2011 will be sent to you on Monday January 10th, 2011.

Best wishes and be inspired
Keith Ready

Archived InspirEmail

InspirEmail No 232 - Walk Your Talk

InspirEmail No 231 - This Day

InspirEmail No 230 - Living from the heart

InspirEmail No 229 - True Friends

InspirEmail No 228 - Some Important Don'ts

InspirEmail No 227 - It's all a matter of perspective

InspirEmail No 226 - Eight Laws of Leadership

InspirEmail No 225 - Remember

InspirEmail No 224 - Making Good Decisions

InspirEmail No 223 - Determination