'Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house --- cooking smells. Lois and I (mostly Lois) worked on Christmas dinner dishes (eating, not washing), with me making a last minute grocery run. It still amazes me what all goes into this holiday meal, and the time it takes to prepare it, only to see it consumed in less than an hour. But leftovers make it all worthwhile.
I WON'T BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
I wrote a letter to jail buddy, who will be spending the better part of the next 20 years behind bars. I still can't believe that he won't be joining us for family gatherings (he never came for Christmas). It is still harder to believe that he did what he confessed to --- aggravated sexual battery of a minor. I have visited him countless times over the past six months, have attended every hearing, as well as the sentencing. Soon I can only write letters, because he will be transferred to a state prison facility. I'm sure there are those who can't understand why I didn't cut him loose from our 12-year friendship when I found out what he did. I did make it very clear to him what I felt about his crime, and he fully realizes the seriousness of it and understands that this is a necessary part of his journey. But God never gives up on us; I feel that I can do no less for J---. I don't know his heart, nor do I know if he is truly repentant, but, if he is, then who am I to hold judgement over him? God can surely be with him through his incarceration.
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
After many years of not attending one of these, Lois and I bundled up and headed down to our local church. The congregation was sparse, but the service was warm and loving. It culminated with communion (all are welcome in the Methodist church) and the passing of Christ's light to each other by way of candles, while singing "Silent Night." It's difficult to not get choked up, especially when Rev. B is always near tears. While I still have many questions about the things of the Bible, and especially some interpretations that have been carried forward, I see a very necessary role of the church and clergy in Christ's kingdom. George MacDonald wrote, "Religion is simply the way home to the Father."
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Lord, I thank you for family and the love that surrounds us. Bring our love to those who can't be with us this Christmas. I know that J--- is still your child, even though he violated a child. Please bring healing to her and forgiveness to him. He welcomes your discipline, because he understands that it is a necessary step toward reconciliation. And thank you for the sensitivity of our pastor --- a good sensitivity that seeks to love and embrace all that she encounters. And, just for the record, I'm not waiting up for the Big Guy; they don't come any bigger than You.
Amen
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