While one may think that society is casting aside its religious values because of materialism, counseling abortion-minded women shows me that Christmas is not merely about consumerism, but still has a strong spiritual foundation. Most mothers honor this holy season and will strive toward the union of their families and, at least by my experience in EMC’s offices, feel uncomfortable planning abortions at Christmas time.
It is notable that people who could arrange for an abortion at any other time of the year are reluctant to do so during the Christmas season. This attitude can be explained by the spiritual dimension of life still actively present in humanity. Although there are many attempts to belittle it, Christmas is another example of the importance of faith in our lives; its meaning goes far deeper than the gifts, the Christmas tree, the Santa Claus. This celebration represents unity, hope, and peace. Regardless of the cultural or historical aspects of Christmas, the deepest meaning is very much alive.
Most people welcome this yearly opportunity to hold family gatherings and give presents to their loved ones, making themselves “present” in their gifts. The usefulness of the gift is not what matters, the authentic value of a gift is the measure of presence of the giver that it provides to the receipent. This gives sense to the useless gift, like the ring that the husband gives to her wife. Whatever the value of a gift, the best present that anyone can receive for Christmas is life; and we should be very happy to know that many mothers at this time are giving that present, preferring life over death.
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