A Christmas to Remember
The holiday season often turns our thoughts to hearth and home. As I reflect on this, my heart remembers those who have lost their homes this year from foreclosure, whose unemployment may bring stress to gift giving, to soldiers far from home or to those who feel alone during the holidays.
I encountered a Christmas like that. With finances tight, we feared losing our new home. Yet, something happened that Christmas I will never forget. My family and I were heading to a family reunion in a friend’s motor home we borrowed. Being spread out across the world as a family, this was a much anticipated event. By midnight on Christmas Eve, the motor home broke down. What repair shop would be open on Christmas day and at what cost? The answer came in the morning…nothing. In that small desert town, we ate breakfast at the only restaurant available that day…McDonalds. Exchanging presents in the motor home, we were wishing we were with family.
In dealing with this situation, I remembered a discussion with a Muslim friend about the Ramadan holiday. She explained that she fasted to humbly understand better those less fortunate. As a Christian Scientist, I asked myself what did Christmas really mean to me? Mary and Joseph found Christmas in a lowly manger. The Christmas spirit of peace and joy is wherever I am, wherever the Christ–the message of goodwill toward men–is cherished in thought and action. Along with the Bible, a book I read regularly for comfort and guidance is Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. As an example, this book speaks of the Christ this way, “This is what is meant by seeking Truth, Christ, not ‘for the loaves and fishes,’ nor like the Pharisee, with arrogance of rank and display of scholarship, but like Mary Magdalene, from the summit of devout consecration, with the oil of gladness and the perfume of gratitude, with tears of repentance and with those hairs all numbered by the Father.”
This changed my perspective to pray more unselfishly and universally, with a grateful heart. Stress and disappointment yielded to quiet listening and expectant acknowledging of God, good, as ever present. This “still small voice” of calm thought lead us to unique ways to solve the problem. We arrived for Christmas dinner. Donations were given to cover some expenses. And a large job greeted us when we returned. Holidays have never been the same for me since. To my daughter, this is still her favorite Christmas because it was unique; I mean what 6 year old doesn’t like McDonalds and camping in the morning! To her, this Christmas wasn’t all about the tree, but about Jesus and us working together as a family, relying on God like Jesus did.
From my experience, even the smallest expressions of gratitude and acts of kindness bless others and yourself. These are the experiences that make the holiday truly memorable. And, you don’t have to wait for a holiday to catch the spirit!
Anne Cooling
