Throughout much of the world, this day is celebrated with joy and thanks. The birth of Jesus is reason enough to be joyful and filled with thanks,,everyday.
Unfortunately, for many people, the fact that the celebration of Christmas has been taken over by material trappings has made this a day of sadness. The takeover did not happen over night. It has been moving swiftly along for quite a few years.
The focus on living large and well, is now deeply rooted in the holiday season. From the best decorations for the home, and the most elaborately decorated tree to the most expensive and perhaps most coveted gifts for the entire family.
Each person has the right to celebrate in the manner of their choice.
But,,, what about the people who are unable to provide even the smallest of gifts for their children.
Sure, the child might receive something from an agency or a kind hearted person, but how does the parent feel deep inside?
What about the person who has no family or close friends to share this day that is almost designed for families?
What about that person who has no home?
They will stand in a long line to receive a hot meal.
But, what about tomorrow?
What about the people who have family, but their family has no interest in their well being?
Perhaps they have outlived their spouse and peers, and now sit quietly in a facility simply waiting to die.
Their family members are "uncomfortable around old people, because they don't have anything important to say" or " because they smell bad!"
Perhaps if you drop by for a visit, you could take a nice scented body wash. Everyone appreciates feeling clean and fresh.
What about the aunt or uncle that used to buy you gifts and make you laugh, but since your mother, his sister,, has passed away, you just don't think about visiting any of the old people any more; you are much too busy."
I mean, after all, you regularly visit the church sponsored retirement home with the Mission Society.
Roughly twenty years ago, an older woman came to live with her son who lived two houses down from mine. She was a tall, sweet, soft spoken woman who was also a retired nurse. She was there during the time my Momma lived with me. She was not even close to Momma's age but she would come to my house and they would talk about the Bible.
I soon noticed that she was walking to the Catholic church in the neighborhood everyday for noon mass. We lived in the back of the subdivision, and the church was located at the entrance. She declined my offer to drive her.
Soon after, she shared her story with me. She had been married over 20 years to the father of her son and daughter. They were deep and active in the Baptist church. Her husband abruptly left her for a fellow church member. She felt betrayed by both the man and the church. She made the decision to join the Catholic church. She did not tell me that she had a mental breakdown.
A few months later, at the beginning of the holiday season, she apparently had a relapse. The neighbor on the other side of their house found her standing outside in the rain. She had been standing outside for several hours before anyone saw her. Her daughter told the neighbor that the holiday season was a very bad time for her mother.
It was a very sad situation.
A few years later, I saw her at the clinic where I worked. She seemed glad to see me. I know that I was genuinely glad to see her. She was living with her daughter, and she looked quite well.
Sadly, a couple of months later, the person over the group she was a part of, came to my office and told me she had passed away.
It was not during the holidays, and I prayed that she was in a peaceful place.
Recognizing and being thankful for our blessings is what God expects us to do.
Good things in life are blessings that are not always guaranteed for life...
God also expects us to pray for and help those who are less fortunate....
At all times.
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