As children, we Christians, and many others who celebrate the secular side of the Holiday, made lists of the toys and other items that we wanted for Christmas. For those who believed in Santa Claus, these lists were mailed, recited in person to a costumed impersonator, or both. For those no longer believing in the legendary Christmas icon, they were presented to our parents and other significant adults in your lives. Christmas lists, like the secular Holiday that represents a boon to retailers and major part of our economy, are all about getting what you want. Of course, for every person who gets what he or she desires, there is a giver. But, the development and presentation of the lists is completely me-centric.
Sometimes, however, what we really want, both individually and collectively, cannot be purchased. And no, I’m not speaking of the Holiday’s hottest, must-have gifts, like the Apple iPad. The desires of which I speak are far less tangible, like health, peace of mind, love, and happiness.
And so, presuming to speak for others as well as myself, I wish for the following this Christmas:
– that the homeless find shelter…
– that those in mourning be comforted…
– that the hungry find sustenance…
– that the lonely find friendship…
– that those who have little be given plenty…
– that those who have plenty be given more…
– that those who hate find love…
– that those filled with love find more outlets for its expression…
– that those in despair find hope…
– that those who feel forsaken find understanding and support…
– that we find a way to end war and violence…
– that people of every race, gender, and culture come to understand that our similarities outweigh our
differences…
– that peace on earth, goodwill toward all becomes the mantra and reality of a new world…
We are the keepers of our brothers and sisters. The choice is ours.
Merry Christmas.
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