Last week I attended a children’s Christmas program. The children had worked on various Christmas tunes over the past several weeks and this was their chance to sing them for a packed house of proud parents, grandparents and friends. It was a great time and definitely one of those things that will get you into the Christmas spirit.
It was awesome watching the children singing, and smiling, and full of joy. That is all but one. One child wasn’t quite so happy. He cried. Maybe because he wanted to be with his dad. Maybe the music was too loud. Maybe he was scared. I don’t know the reason. All I know is that I was struck by the sight of one sad child crying while the rest sang their songs joyfully.
It made me stop and think. I noticed one child crying amidst all the joy and pageantry of Christmas. One child amidst the lights, and music, and children singing joyous songs.
As I thought about this, the one question that came to my mind was this. As I go through the rest of my holiday, will I notice? While I am at Christmas parties and singing my favorite carols, will I hear those who have no song to sing anymore? While I am decorating my tree and watching the twinkling lights, will I notice those who’s eyes have lost the twinkle they once had? While I gather with friends and share cherished family memories, will I remember those who have nothing to share, nothing to cherish or nothing worth remembering?
My prayer, and my hope is that I will notice. I pray that I will not lose sight of those who stand right beside me and are hurting. I pray I will not be doing Christmas so much that I fail to see the hurts of my friends, family and neighbors who are longing to be held, to have peace, and to not be scared anymore.
What can you do to make sure that you don’t get blinded by Christmas?
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