What does Christmas mean to you? What significance does it hold in your heart?

For many, Christmas involves buying and exchanging gifts, spending time with family and enjoying a plentiful dinner.

While traditions are important, do they ultimately define this time of the year?

The Christmas spirit is something most of us have heard of and thought about.

Despite our searching, a number of us have not quite found such a spirit.

Recently I had an opportunity to experience and see firsthand an early version of the Christmas spirit.

A few weeks ago I was involved in a rather catastrophic event that was neither expected nor planned for. In reflecting on the experience, I realize I was lucky to have survived unharmed and alive.

While I did my best to present a strong, self reliant persona, a group of former co-workers and current colleagues banded together to present a gift– one that I will forever cherish. Additionally, a number of friends and family offered their thoughtful assistance.

When presented with the gift and offers of help and assistance, I clearly witnessed what the Christmas holiday is all about.

Depending on the person, the spirit of Christmas can be both seen and unseen.

It comes in a selfless act of love, generosity and concern for the other. When one is challenged and struggling, the Christmas spirit presents itself as a force that awakens the soul and lifts its recipient off the ground.

The spirit, while at times elusive, also comes in the form of people– people who care, love and want to help.

Life is filled with highs and lows, along with failures and accomplishments. Even during the Christmas holiday some of us will have to deal with the less desirable aspects of life.

No one, regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnicity or the time of the year is immune from the unexpected surprises life presents to us.

Yet, despite the unexpected and unplanned events of life that might potentially physically or mentally hurt or harm us, the love and warmth of the Christmas spirit is out there.

Although some of us find it difficult accepting help and being seen as vulnerable, all of us--at one point or another in life--will fall on one or both knees and look upward.

It’s often when we pick our heads up and direct our eyes above that we see the goodness of life, the love of others and the grace of God.

And what a great time of the year to glance heavenward, in an effort to search for the Christmas spirit or impart that spirit on to another person in need or want.

I suggest those reading this column to consider being the conduit for the Christmas spirit this year. Either allow someone to help and provide comfort to you or do the same for another you perceive to be in need.

The Christmas spirit is waiting to embrace you and it wants to be firmly embraced by you.

Christmas, after all, is a time of hope, a time of love, a time to share and give and a time to lift up the life and soul of another person.

Give a gift this year that will forever be remembered and held close by the one receiving it--the spirit of Christmas.

Mark Reccek

Editor’s note: Mark Reccek, now a freelancer for The Press weekly papers, is a former editorial assistant for the Whitehall-Coplay, Catasauqua and Northampton Press papers.