Elder William Hudson: The difference one can make in the life of another
By William Hudson
Elder William F. Hudson Jr. presides over St. John FWB Church in Kinston at 405 East Blount Street. Elder Hudson may be reached at thepastorsdesk@gmail.com.
This time of year is always so exciting to me. I reflect on the Christmas caroling, the gift wrapping time, the family time together, decorating the tree, and hanging stockings on the fire place. And even though we did not have much, mom always made do and sacrificed so that we did not go without, at times just receiving one gift.
I can remember one year my second grade teacher had an huge impact on my life. It was Christmas and my mom was out of the country and we were living with my grandmother at the time and she just could not afford to get us anything for Christmas. Well you know it was traumatizing for a child to not get anything, but I will never forget there was this teacher that was moved with compassion, and I felt an exciting warmth in my heart when she gave me a watch for Christmas.
I learned a life lesson out of that experience. I learned that it was not so much the gift but the fact that someone would sacrifice some of their resources to help someone else even though there was no obligation at all. That lesson I have carried with me all my life, as I pay it forward and bless others who I am seemingly not obligated to. It is so amazing how the vicissitude of the seasons impacts the attitude of those who are truly inspired by the atmosphere during this time of year. Even though all of that is great, I believe that we must first and foremost remember the Christ in Christmas.
He is the greatest gift that one could ever receive. For God truly loved humanity enough to send His only Son to bring us back into right relationship with Himself. In other words, God became the source to help humanity even though He had no obligation. I am truly so grateful. The Bible records a conversation that was being held with Joseph and an angel about the gift that God was giving to the world through Mary who was betrothed to be his wife. “...And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
This season let us be a blessing for someone else to whom we seemingly have no obligation as we celebrate the birth of Christ who is the Gift from God the Father. Let love reign throughout our city. Merry Christmas.
