That Christmas is lovely, sweet and enchanting can not be denied. It is a most special time of year and brings its own magic. However, it is important to remember that there are those poor souls for which Christmas brings a certain suffering, just because of the conditions and experiences of their lives.
It is to those dear folks that I write today. In my home when I was growing up, Christmas could be quite wonderful, but there were times when it was so difficult. My mother and father suffered greatly at Christmas time. My mother’s birthday was December 23rd., and it was on this date that her mother fell dead at her feet when she was a child. December also saw the deaths of her first born, Patty, my sister, who died of cancer at the age of twelve, and my little brother Casey, who died on the same date and time as my sister but years apart, December 12th., Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Later, her father, in advanced years, also died at Christmas. If anyone had a right to feel bad at Christmas, it was my sweet Irish mother and father. (Somehow, we always forget that husbands and fathers suffer. Just like great St. Joseph is the forgotten saint. Let us not forget the men who hold their sorrow inside.)
Perhaps you, too have reason to feel bad this Christmas. It is to you I say: You are not forgotten! God loves you so much. It is to you, most particularly that the Babe of Bethlehem reaches out from his manger crib. It is to you that the Virgin Mother offers a place next to her heart and within her mantle. It is to you that St. Joseph offers his staff of protection and his watchful eye. It is to you that Almighty God says, “I remember YOU! You I seek, You I mean, You, yes YOU, I love you!” And I do not forget you, as I write this from a sickbed. All will be remembered at the altar. Do not forget that God is the God of not just second chances, but many chances. I believe that as long as there is breath there is hope. Grace is always available while we are yet this side of the veil. For good reason Holy Mother Church reminds us that for all its good times and wonders, this is a vale of tears. May His love reach you through your sorrows this Christmas. There is a place for you in the stable.
