Yes, this is a special place

All is calm. All is bright.

It must be Christmas Day.

And to help you enjoy this very special occasion, today's Opinions page features some heart-warming experiences that are as comforting as grandmother's quilt on a cold winter's night.

Just to get you into the spirit, here's another.

The spirit of giving

Last night (Dec. 22) I was privileged to attend and help with Our Father's Market in Coeur d'Alene, a weekly food bank and give-away for the needy. They also had a Christmas party for the people.

I helped for only a couple of hours. Mostly I observed all those who attended. There were over 100 people who registered their names and the number in their family. They were warmly greeted, given plastic bags and told to select whatever they needed. They then went down a long line of tables overflowing with meats, pizzas, eggs, canned goods, vegetables and fruits.

Most were not shy in selecting groceries for their families.

Some held back, a little hesitant in what they could take. One man said, "I can't take anything to cook. I live outside." None were discouraged from taking all they needed.

"You're staying for dinner, aren't you?" asked one of the workers. One woman said she couldn't; her children were waiting for her at home. Many others stayed. They sat patiently at decorated tables and were served hors d'ouevres and drinks by a troupe of young people.

There were so many different kinds of people waiting for dinner. There were young couples, some with young children, older men and women, even some obvious drug addicts. They were treated like royalty.

"And why not?" said Tina Green, operator of Our Father's Market. "We love these people and want to give them the best."

The best included a prime rib and ham dinner, tableside music and even a Santa who passed out gifts. I was overwhelmed by the show of happiness and hospitality the workers exhibited.

I came home afterwards filled with emotion and the need to process all I had experienced. Friday morning, two days before Christmas, it became clear to me there are many kinds of people. There are those who just love other people and want to honor and help them. It is their response to God's love in what they do. Then there are those who desperately need that expression of love. They will reach out for it, receive it and perhaps their lives will improve and be changed.

Therein lies the true Christmas story. The announcement of it was made to certain people who lived outside in cold weather (in the deep of the night). The story is life changing!

". . . Behold, I bring good news of a great joy which shall be for all people."

SHARON BLYTHE

Hayden Lake