Are you ready to begin the Work of Christmas says Philanthropy Advisor

SEATTLE - Jan. 10, 2014 - PRLog -- Seattle philanthropy advisor Richard Bray shares a New Year practice that helps people to focus on their values to make a difference.

The Christmas trees and the holiday decorations are mostly put away in my neighborhood now. Even at our local Catholic church the long Christmas season ends this Sunday.  But as you and I return to “normal” I would like to share this thought: Now the Work of Christmas Begins.

I have been very inspired by Howard Thurman’s poem “The Work of Christmas.” Dr. Thurman was an African-American theologian, educator, and civil rights leader.

As someone who has fostered philanthropy and charitable giving for 20 years, it has been my standard practice to reflect on it at the beginning of each New Year.  It helps me to reconnect with important values at the beginning of the year. I hope this will be helpful to you, too.

Please spend a few moments reflecting on this poem. You will find it time well spent.

Are you ready to begin the Work of Christmas?

The Work of Christmas

When the song of the angels is stilled,

when the star in the sky is gone,

when the kings and princes are home,

when the shepherds are back with their flocks,

the work of Christmas begins:

to find the lost,

to heal the broken,

to feed the hungry,

to release the prisoner,

to rebuild the nations,

to bring peace among the people,

to make music in the heart.

- Dr. Howard Thurman, 1899-1981

About Richard Bray

Richard Bray is a strategic giving advisor to nonprofits, businesses and individuals fostering charitable giving and philanthropy that reflects your values and impacts our world. He is founder of Strategic Giving Advisor and can be reached at www.StrategicGivingAdvisor.com