Travels in Grants

Decorations are up, cards are sent, but I still have to find the right gifts for people on my list. What would they like? Would it be good enough?

I visit Christmas past for the answer.

I can be a child again. The magic of a tree suddenly growing in the house, full of colored lights in the darkness. Going out in the snow, not feeling the cold, but tasting snowflakes on my tongue and looking at my mittens to see if each crystal is really different than all the rest. Buying something pretty for mom and helping dad get gas or shovel the walkway. Later in life, being obsessed with getting a certain toy, that once possessed, lost its appeal. Even later, getting expensive presents, going to the best parties, getting lots of 'likes'.

I asked several people to remember their best Christmas- they all picked one with a special person or familyno mention of presents. So, what's so special about Christmas? [I know that now wishing 'Merry Christmas' or saying the 'I' word is politically incorrect-but there are still some hopelessly joyful people who constantly say both.] There is the ancient definition. It's difficult to believe. But I remember a winter when I saw this emaciated dog with its fur matted and looking so scared. It was trying to get a drink of water from a stream but kept slipping on the mud trying to get to dry land. If I approached him, he just got more frightened and backed away. So, I wished I could be a dog for a little time to tell him I wanted to help and feed him and bring him to a warm place where he could rest. There was also the time a bird flew into the garage, followed by a feral cat that kept watching her try to escape but the poor bird just kept bumping into the walls. I tried to direct her with a broom but it just made things worse. I wanted to be a bird for a little time to calm her and show her the way to freedom and light. So maybe we do have a God who's willing to become one of us, since we get lost and afraid so easily.

I also stayed with people I cared for during their severe illness and their dying. I was able to take some of their suffering into my heart, but my love wasn't strong enough to wish to change places with them. So, I have very little experience with a magnificent Passion and self-sacrifice that would enable any person [human or divine] to take on my own just punishment and renew my innocence and freedom. But Christmas allows that to happen. Maybe one day, l'll meet the True Love of my life, face to face.

Today's lesson: My best Christmas gift, one that will cost me a great deal, will be to hallow your name, dear Jesus, and agree that Your Will be done-not mine.