There is a Christmas message from Christopher Story on his website -
www.worldreports.org. Not like his usual reports and took me very much by surprise. It was a joy to me to see this "other side" of Christopher Story, though I realise not everyone will see it that way. However, maybe we can all accept that there is a place to find hope in the present world situation (and our personal situations too).
From a very different area - Channel4 in Britain aired an "alternative Christmas message" (the Queen does the formal one) which was given in person by Iran's President -Arminijad (should have checked the spelling of this before I posted!). I found this very inspring as well. Basically he was saying how he felt Jesus Christ would act and be in our present world, for example, for justice and peace and against "occupiers and terrorists, against bullying and expansionists".(I paraphrase).
All this said very quietly and reiterating his good wishes and goodwill. He was coming from the standpoint of a Moslem accepting Jesus Christ as a prophet, and it sounded genuine with his goodwill to all celebrating the birth of Jesus.
The media (and I believe the government as well) have condemned Channel 4 for airing this. As far as what he said is concerned - he would be torn apart whatever he said. I had a strong feeling that most of the folk on this forum would agree with him!
A final word - I do think Steve A's idea of giving a gift to a stranger is a great one. Perhaps we could all take it up next year.
Best wishes to all