I’m writing this week’s message from my hospital room. All the while I’m thinking what will the doctor tell me, what will I have to do, and how long will I be here. Then I look out the window, see the snow, and think of Christmas. How Joseph and Mary were told “no room in the inn.” and had to stay in a stable to give birth to Jesus Christ. Then later having to flee the country because Herod wanted to do harm to Jesus, and how does this last – a lifetime -as we continue to celebrate that birth for two thousand years and counting. We all have ups and down, acceptances and rejections, but also have a whole lot of love to get through it all and beyond. Celebrate the joy, peace and love of Christmas. We gave out over two hundred gifts from the “giving angel tree,” put out a number of food baskets for needy families, and received a number of monetary gifts specifically used for families in need.
Spend Christmas with you family, enjoy a meal together, exchange presents and extend family visits and traditions. Then go a little further. Invite neighbors who are alone or elderly and take them to lunch or out for coffee. Check on a family member who hasn’t been in touch. Share Christmas greetings to everyone you meet: family, friend and strange.
