And Christmas feels like one of the most ironic holidays out there. Even in its humble beginnings as a way to bring non-Christians celebrating the Winter Solstice to the church, the birth of Jesus has always carried a big non-religious theme.
In Dino's special ed class at the public school, they spent a fews days on the meaning of Hanukah, the meaning of Kwanza and a few days talking about Santa and candy canes. But no Jesus. No mention of a babe in the manager, no Wise Men. Just ho-ho-ho and Rudolph. Ironic.
Then there's the stress. This a joyous celebration. This is a time of friends and family. Celebrating the profound gift of love given by God. But we get stressed. Too many parties, too many cookies, too many family. And we start to wish is was January 2nd so we could start our path to lose the weight we just gained in the last few weeks.
I won't even get into Christmas weight gain but seriously we starve to fit into our fancy party dresses and then gorge like little piggies at the party in our fancy dress. Ironic.
Kids always love Christmas but at least one child always seems to get upset on Christmas Day. Perhaps it's an overload of sugar from the past MONTH, lack of sleep waiting for Santa, an overwhelmed emotion from the presents and the family. Regardless the Christmas Day is almost always an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows putting everyone in mixed spirits. At least here. Ironic.
This year my thoughts are with Dante and his family. He saw Christmas! But today he has gotten worse. He is fading, his mom is in a fog. In the middle of the Christmas joy, there is the shadow of death. Death of someone so young, so innocent. And it is heart-breaking for everyone who knows him or even just his story.
Right now just being held causes him horrible pain but soon he will be in the arms of Jesus and he will feel no pain. There will be no more needles, no more masks, no more suffering. Yet it is heart-breaking. Gut-wrenching and unfair. Ironic.
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10 comments:
It's not Ironic, it's just plain criminal. In a country of religious freedom, why is it okay to be sensitive to Muslims, Jews, and Atheists, but not Christians. I am not saying we should be insensitive to those groups. Actually, I think it's amazing and wonderful that we are. BUT when is the country going to come around to also being sensitive to Christians. Many people get offended if it is even suggested that Christianity is discussed in a public place. "DON'T FORCE YOUR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ON ME!!" But Hinduism? New Age? Wiccans? They are all welcome to people who want to be "open minded". HELLO??? By saying you won't listen to Christianity is NOT being open-minded!!!! It just makes me so mad. Either just admit you're closed-minded or at least allow people of ALL religions to practice their beliefs (including Christians) and respect the sanctity of their faiths.
Sorry. Rant over. You have hit the nail on the head on this post.
Oh, by saying "you" I don't me YOU, Lisa. I mean all the folks who want religious freedom for everyone except Christians. That's what I meant.
I think doing the weekly big shop takes it out of you and you don't feel like cooking--at least that's the way it works with me.
The story about Dante is just so sad. I hope he and his family are ablet to find peace in their sorrow.
You are so right MUCH irony!!! I will pray for that family. We often forget others pain. Thanks for reminding us of REAL life!
I totally agree with all you have written Lisa.
Do you know that there was talk of not allowing the Navity Shows continue at our schools anymore due to the fact that it may cause offence?!! Crazy! I totally agree with what Texan Mama has written about that too!
It's so sad what is happening to Dante and his family. It's breaks my heart. It puts life in perspective. Yet at times i forget how blessed i am and moan and groan about the little petty things in life.
Hope you all had a nice time over the Festive Season.
Wishing you all a happy New Year!
Cheers and Aw the best!
l,
amanda x
OH Lisa...I've been thinking and of course praying for Dante and his family. It puts EVERY.SINGLE.THING into perspective doesn't it? My heart is breaking for them. I just cannot imagine. I just don't understand sometimes. I just need to stop typing. This could turn into THE longest post ever recorded. I'm praying. Please keep us updated. (I'm glad you returned home safely)
What a beautifully written post.
I too, have just lost a friend, though someone who I've know for quite some time through various MN internet groups, we've never met:
http://lemmondrops.blogspot.com/
I agree whole-heartedly with everything you've said, but remember that you can make Him the center of your family, even if the rest of the world isn't.
Dante's story is so heart-breaking. Thank you for sharing the story. Sending good thoughts and wishes for peace for him and his family.
Miss Lisa, we do love this post.... you really touched a number of "hot buttons" for all of us here at the Prepatorium.
You are tres cool!
tp
i love this post, very thoughtful!! thank you for sharing it with all of us:)
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