I had a great column lined up for this week singing the praises of the people who have lit up our Christmas with decorations on their homes and front lawns. Here in Lockport, our town has been transformed with inflatable Santas bigger than a car, lights bright enough to be seen from space, and gobs of illuminated candy canes, reindeer and snowmen. Thank you, decorators!
But then I heard that there is an actual historical event underneath all of these glorious decorations. It apparently involves the birth of a Jewish carpenter named Jesus in the small village of Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago. I am not a Christian, but you don’t have to be one to appreciate the wisdom he is said to have shared during his 33 years in the world.
Thus this column is dedicated to the people in our midst who are marking this holiday by acting on the words and teachings of the man known as Jesus of Nazareth. “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40
Jesus had a lot to say about the poor and the importance of sharing what we have with those who have the least.
Blessed are those who are devoting their time these holidays to those who need help. The staff and volunteers at organizations, like the Salvation Army, all across the country serving meals, gathering clothes and providing aid and comfort to those who have the least.
Churches and social organizations are doing the same. Even some medical practices, like my dentist here in Lockport, have turned their offices into gathering spots for donated toys for children who might not otherwise receive any this year. Individual families are quietly offering help with Christmas meals and gifts.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35
Jesus also had a few things to say about the strangers who come to us, which would certainly apply to the desperate families seeking asylum at our border.
Blessed are those who are devoting their time and resources this season to caring for those who are the strangers among us. I know one couple who has taken an entire family of asylum seekers into their home, a family that fled direct threats from a repressive government. Others have assisted refugees through the maze of the legal system, gathered clothes for their children, and helped find them housing.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
People call Jesus the Prince of Peace and yet humanity cannot stop waging horrific war. The most horrific of those wars right now is on the same land that Jesus walked. By the time you read this, more than 20,000 Palestinians have been reported killed in the Gaza Strip in just over two months. According to UNICEF, the U.N. agency for children, more than 5,000 children have been killed in Israel’s bombings.
The killings of 1,200 Israelis by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 was also horrific. But the endless Israeli retaliation in Gaza has killed fifteen times as many people.
Blessed are those who are working for peace and demanding a ceasefire. Some are Palestinian and some are Jewish. Some are diplomats, some protesters. they know peace will never come from cementing another 50 years of hatred between two peoples.
As we turn our attention to our Santas and snowmen, to our buying, wrapping and feasting, let there be at least a bit of room for something else. Let us remember that the seed of this whole glorious season is about a man who walked in a simple tunic and sandals. Let us remember that he preached not selfishness, but aid to the neediest and generosity to the stranger. Let us remember that he preached not hatred, weapons and war, but peace.
Dear Santa Claus, I have been very good this year. Ok, except for that time I accidentally ran a stop sign. And there were the days I was too lazy to take Lola the dog for a walk in the snow. I did steal once as well, but how many tiny soaps did that hotel really need? Other than that I check the list.
So here is what I really want for Christmas. I want the world to be more caring, more empathetic and more peaceful. I want us to stop making the planet a more dangerous place for our children. I want all those people who say they believe in Jesus to act according to his teachings.
And some Taylor Swift tickets would be great too.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!