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What is the meaning of Christmas? It’s a season of generosity.

What is the meaning of Christmas? It’s a season of generosity.

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By David L. Nevins,
David L. Nevins
David L. Nevins serves as publisher of The Fulcrum. Additionally, Nevins serves as co-founder and Board Chairman of the Bridge Alliance. Nevins brings business acumen, vision and a tireless this-must-and-can-be-done zeal to the burgeoning movement to bridge divides to transform the political process. As a business leader, Nevins excels at building bridges between people and organizations from the right, left and center for civilized conversation and then action. He co-founded the Bridge Alliance because, as he says, “No matter how well managed and how well funded anyone organization is, significant political reform will not happen without an alliance to further collaborative interactions. Together we can and will raise the collective impact of all.” He is a member of the Aspen Institute Society of Fellows, with a focus on the Aspen Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership, he established and continues to work with The Nevins Democracy Leaders program at Penn State University. Nevins graduated with honors in economics from Penn State in 1969 and received an M.B.A. in finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1971.
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Debilyn Molineaux
Debilyn Molineaux

Debilyn Molineaux is the catalyst of JEDIfutures.org , a global initiative that helps people imagine and create just, equitable, dignified, and inclusive futures. She is best known for her pioneering work in civic innovation, having co-founded Bridge Alliance, Living Room Conversations, and National Week of Conversation. She formerly acted as co-publisher for The Fulcrum. Across these efforts, Debilyn has brought together unlikely allies to co-create solutions for democracy, governance, and social transformation.

Her work lives at the intersection of strategy, systems change, and spirit. A long-time practitioner of personal and collective growth, she brings a deep commitment to the inner dimensions of change that are often overlooked but essential to transformation. Debilyn speaks of the “interstitial spaces” — the connective tissue between people, institutions, and movements — where new possibilities take root.

She also hosts the podcast Terrified Nation, which helps audiences move from fear and despair into courage and action. Her voice is sought by impact investors, changemakers, and visionary leaders who want to align resources, imagination, and human growth toward a thriving future for all.

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Dec 16, 2021

Every major religion in the world has a tenet around being generous. In Islam, it is zakat; in Judaism is tzedakah; in Hinduism and Buddhism, it is called dana. In Christianity, it is charity. And our nation seems to highlight charity from Thanksgiving to New Years Day, since 31 percent of all charitable donations are made in the month of December.

It’s hard to mistake “the Christmas season” with all the festivities, the lights and the music, regardless of your personal religion or non-religion. A wave of generosity engulfs our nation, Christians and non-Christians alike. The idea of giving to those less fortunate, goodwill towards others, and the simple sharing of joy and love with family and friends is something all of us hope for and can aspire to.

This season is a time to reflect and act positively on what is really important in life.

And so in the spirit of this holiday season we would like to share with you three Christmas songs that go beyond the jingle bells, reindeer and anticipation of gifts from Santa, to touch our hearts and souls and serve as a personal call to action.

One such classic is John Lennon’s enduring “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” he wrote shortly before his death. When Lennon was assassinated countless fans of all ages, races and faiths gathered outside his apartment to sing his song. And legend has it that the mindset of the song took hold for the weekend and there was no reported crime that weekend.

Some 50 years later as our nation faces a divided time let us reflect on Lennon’s lyrics:

And so this is Christmas

For weak and for strong,

(War is over if you want it)

For the rich and the poor ones,

The road is so long.

(War is over now)

And so happy Christmas for black and for whites,

(War is over if you want it)

For the yellow and red ones,

Let's stop all the fight.

Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas ” written by Ron MIller and Bryan Wells and first recorded in 1967, is a beautiful holiday season reminder of what the season is all about:

Someday at Christmas there’ll be no more war

When we’ve learned what Christmas is for

When we’ve found what life’s really worth

Then there’ll be peace on earth.

...

Someday at Christmas man will not fail

Hate will be gone and love will prevail

Someday a new world that we can start

With hope in every heart.

And lastly a song from 1984 was a powerful message about the famine in Africa that plagued the continent at the time. Recording stars including Bono, Sting, George Michael, Kool and the Gang, all of Bananarama and Boy George, among others, came together to sing “ Do They Know It's Christmas?”

These moving words resulted in the song selling over 2 million copies in 1984 and more importantly raising more than $24 million to fight world hunger.

It's Christmas time

There's no need to be afraid

At Christmas time

We let in light and we banish shade

And in our world of plenty

We can spread a smile of joy

Throw your arms around the world

At Christmas time

But say a prayer

Pray for the other ones

At Christmas time it's hard

But when you're having fun

There's a world outside your window

And it's a world of dread and fear

The Christmas spirit is a feeling of generosity. When we can relax into our shared humanity and focus on the needs of others, this spirit becomes joyful. When we give up the competition for the perfect gift, the perfect party, etc., we stop to notice the beauty of each person we encounter. Recognizing the gift each of us brings to the world is what the season is really about.

Please share with us at pop-culture@fulcrum.us any ideas you have as to songs that have inspired during the holiday season or simply share experiences you have had that speak to the true meaning of the season.

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Does One Battle After Another Speak to Latino Resistance?

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Does One Battle After Another Speak to Latino Resistance?

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