Each year at Christmas time I begin to realize once again the number of people who have touched my life. Some of them are close family members, some are strangers, some just people who know my name, but all of them are special folks who have been kind, generous, or loving at some point during the year. Christmas Angels are there all year long, touching our lives and giving us that feeling of love and caring.

Last year, a special Christmas Angel touched the lives of my children and myself, in a dire moment of need, he stepped in and held my hand, literally through one of the worst moments Ive ever experienced. While he stood to gain nothing, he touched my heart with kindness. One moment of caring that will last a lifetime. His only request was that I pass it on. He asked that I give someone else a gentle touch of love, somewhere down the line.

Another moment in time, another man, gentle and kind reached out and touched a child with a kindness I saw, allowed to watch, I saw him shape the future of a young man, giving him hope he had lost. A childs life changed in that moment. He knew he was cared for and loved. Ive seen the child since, and hes made a difference he may not have made, if not for the gentle caring touch of a man who cared. The man asked the child to pass it on.

Christmas Angels give more than they receive, and offer far more than they ever give. They are those who keep the flicker of hope moving throughout our world, when love, faith, and joy have flickered out. These miracle providers step in and relight the candles of love, faith and joy with a flame so brilliant, it promises to burn forever, the light of hope.

Ive been the recipient of that flicker of light, called hope. I can only hope youve met a Christmas Angel who has touched your life, given you hope when you thought all was lost, and reached out to you, when you felt unreachable.

Ive also been that flicker of light, in the eye of a child needing a hand, a hug, a gift of love. It is the most joyous moment you will ever experience. Just the touching of a hand, the feel of love and life flowing through you to another human being is an experience worth giving.

If you want to be a Christmas Angel, it doesnt require much, anyone can do it, but you have to reach out to someone in need. Give them a hand, and a smile, and tell them they are loved. The moment you give your life will change. Dont let this season disappear from time, or the year go by without giving a blessing to someone near you.