Jesus is the reason for the season

There are two times of year that I just cannot get enough of -- Fourth of July and the Christmas season.

Fourth of July is a fun time of year which reminds me why it is so great to live in this country. Also, a little selfishly, my birthday is July 6.

Over the past few weeks individuals, towns and organizations have prepared for Christmas events and helping those in need.

This year especially, I've seen kindness out of strangers I had never expected to see, including a homicide detective with tears of joy in his eyes.

I spent Saturday working the Santa Train, and not only did I get to ride on a train for the first time, but I was able to meet some incredible people.

Dan Bailey, of Indianapolis, described the annual experience of volunteering with the Santa Train as "therapy."

The homicide investigator said he was not looking forward to a life without a parole hearing set to kick off this week, but taking part in the Indiana Railroad project reminded him there are still great people in the world.

He explained to me he sees so much negativity in his career that often times it can be hard to remember what the holiday season is all about. Now that he is able to work security for the train during the event, he can kick off the holidays with a smile.

"I don't know any of the kids personally, but it doesn't take long to bond with them," Bailey said.

My heart absolutely melted when Bailey walked up to me again at the next stop with teary eyes as he recounted being able to help a handicap child on the train.

I spent Saturday night ringing the bell for Civitan, and most of the response I had from people made me smile.

One woman walked past and said, "I only have a dime" and tossed it in the candy cane.

At that moment I realized people don't understand how even the smallest contribution can help. Although 10 cents may not sound like much, it may be the final amount of change to buy a child a toy for Christmas.

As a former Toys for Tots and Clothe-a-Child recipient myself, I understand the importance of tossing in the change from the bottom of my purse.

One point that bothered me were those people who hung their heads low as they walked past the booth and were not able to donate.

People should not feel guilty if they don't have the cash to donate, or if they have already made several trips to the store and already handed off their change.

In my opinion, not only was I there to guard the donations, but to pass off a little holiday cheer in the form of a smile as I volunteered for a program I hold near and dear to my heart.

Complete strangers have reminded me that while I may sometimes struggle with my faith there is no doubt Jesus is the reason for the season.

Sabrina is a staff writer for the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by email at swestfall@gcdailyworld.com or by telephone at 847-4487.