In December 1914, in the fields of Flanders, in the midst of the carnage that we know as World War I, the French and German soldiers laid down their weapons during a spontaneous truce just before Christmas. The horror and blood that they experienced became surreal as they thought about their common savior and his birth to save the world from our original and ongoing battle with sin by turning away from God’s love.
I use this as an example of an awakening, a crucible that all men come to know once in their lives when an incident or event truly dwarfs the everyday existence that we call “reality” and destroys the false pretenses we all possess; materialism, pride and self- importance.
This Christmas my Mother is a resident in the Sacred Heart Residence and I have seen her transformation from a lonely and confused individual to someone who is radiant from the love she has received from our home – which is a gift from God – to her, to me. He gives love to the world.
Please take a moment this Christmas and share your greatest gift – your love- with someone you hold dear and then think about a God so great that gave his only son so that we could receive his greatest gift – his Love. Forget the toys, the turkey, and like the Doughboys of 1914, visualize an earth where the Peace and Joy of Christ will reign forever …
The Christmas Heart
Wish but one wish when winter comes,
Dream but one dream of the past
The Light from God lights all the world
And will for all time forever last.
For Great and Grand is his vision
Descending from heaven like a dove
Christ the King has Risen
Changing the world with his love.
