Christmastide prompts us to be more tolerant and giving, more generous and genuine, more filled with hope and charity and love. No wonder the spirit of Christmas touches the hearts of people the world over.

It is a glorious thing to have old St. Nicholas in our hearts and in our homes today, whether he enters the latter through the open door or creeps down the chimney on Christmas Eve.

Faithful shepherds will always be found at their posts, with Jesus at the center of their lives and hearts because they know and love Him.

There is a difference between presents and gifts. True gifts may be part of ourselves - giving of the riches of the heart - more enduring and of far greater worth than things bought at the store.