A Poem for the Lonely during Christmas
Written on 12/25/2014
There is always a place
for you on Christmas.
Whether it’s set for one,
on a fold-out table
before a TV screen
playing a movie
with dancing elves
Or with Parents, Grandparents,
Aunts and Aunts and Aunts
Uncles and Uncles and Uncles,
and Cousins, so many cousins,
who pile honey ham, cheese,
sweet spaghetti, and white rice
on your plate as they tell you
how much weight you’ve gained.
Or at a table with friends,
passing around cold beers,
salted chips, and near-endless chatter
until the night sky washes out
with morning light.
A place was made for you
since Joseph and Mary
were turned away from
house to house,
and only found solace and rest
in a bed of hay.
They were unwanted guests
who found their place
In time for Christmas Day.
Clean Hands, Pure Hearts
Ever since I’ve been a little more active as a Christian, At least one person asks me, “Why do you celebrate Holy Week? Is it because of family?”
Funny thing with me, it’s not because of family. My Mom practiced Catholicism and Christianity, but we had our journeys at different times. I started my journey after Mom passed away.
Religion and spirituality are very personal journeys. I remember being very uncomfortable around people who liked to preach their faith, since I knew the next natural step would be hardcore conversion. When I chose my path, I also chose tact. No one forced me to attend service or mass. I chose to do it myself. I admit that there are people who I genuinely wish would attend service, not just for the sake of it, but to really listen. I feel that where humanity’s flaws can’t be explained, faith fills in the blanks. One hopes that people become more compassionate out of it.
I’m hesitant to use the word celebrate. Jesus faced an unfair trial and ended up nailed on the cross. Holy Week, for me, is an observance of his sacrifice. While we are saved in his surrender to the cross, it is a painful ordeal that Christian men and women are challenged to follow. The act defines Jesus since he was the only one who could do it for all the right reasons. He did it out of love. Could any one who follows after do the same? Even if I were willing, would it be for the right reasons?
Holy Week is a meditation on that question – wherever one may be.
Meanwhile, here’s a song to go with that thought.
“It’s interesting as you sing that song, you’re reminded of how we continually our hands dip into sin. We continually handle things that cause us separation from the Lord. It’s a reminder of how important it is to have that childlike faith, the simplicity of just singing out to the Lord.” -James Mead