November 29: Misery's Every Refuge, His Precepts, Toys for Tots Concert

In almshouse, hospital, and jail, in misery's every refuge, where vain man in his little brief authority had not made fast the door, and barred the Spirit out, he left his blessing, and taught Scrooge his precepts.

The Ghost of the Present teaches Scrooge about the precepts of Christmas.  He teaches Scrooge about compassion and laughter.  About misery and hope.  About family and friendship.  And about generosity and charity.  The Present is full of examples of people at their very best.

On this Blessing Thursday, I am going to do a commercial.  Tonight, I am participating in a Toys for Tots Benefit Concert at Mitchell United Methodist Church in Negaunee, Michigan.  There's quite the collection of musicians at this event.  Rock bands, pianists, Blues singers, church choirs, and violinists.  One thing connects each of us:  we want to help kids have a good holiday.  We are trying to do the work of the Ghost of Christmas Present.

It really doesn't take a whole lot to be a part of the blessings of Christmas.  Drop a few coins in a Salvation Army bucket.  Bring some canned corn or pumpkin to a local food pantry.  Visit an elderly neighbor.  All of these things contribute to the general air of yuletide kindness.  It's not really about money or presents or cookies.  It's about seeing a need and filling it.

Come join Saint Marty tonight at 7 p.m. in Negaunee.  The price of admission is one unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.  See the need.  Fill it.

All aboard this train!