Christmas Reflection 2015

I originally intended to write about peace at Christmas against the pervasive violence so current at this time.

Then I came upon a news story titled “Good Samaritan Rescues Mom at Airport.” This news story led me to the movie It’s A Wonderful Life featuring the angel Clarence Odbody. Those of us old enough to remember this film gained valuable life lessons by watching George Bailey struggling with doubt because of his lack of success in life. Clarence walks George through that life to show George how life would have been very different if George had not chosen to help others rather than pursue success. Like all good movies, this one has a happy ending!

The news story I watched told the story of a real life mom traveling to see her dying mother on the day after Thanksgiving. She is bringing her three month old daughter with her.

The flight the young mother is on is delayed and then cancelled. Disembarking from that flight, she is frantically trying to make new arrangements. At that point a stranger walks up to the distressed mom and says, “My name is Mary. I’ve been listening to you for the last hour and I’m praying for you and your family.”

Shortly after that encounter, the mom hears from her husband that he has found his wife and daughter another flight on another airline. Problem? The new flight is due to depart in fifteen minutes. Mary and her new friend run together to the ticket counter. The counter attendant procures a seat for the mom. Mary pays for the $400 ticket. Mary hugs the mom and tells her:

“I love you and so does the Lord.”

How about that for a true story with a true happy ending?

I’m certain you get where I’m headed here.

This Christmas, let us ask our guardian angels to help us walk through our lives to consider how the world, how our neighborhoods, our Church families, our own families would be different if we did not love and keep their needs close to heart and at the center of our activities.

This Christmas, let us look for random acts of kindness (big or small) we can perform.

This Christmas let us recognize and name the Marys in our lives and give thanks for them.

(Don’t you wonder if the airport angel’s name – Mary – was coincidence or Providence?)

This Christmas let us believe that it is “…a wonderful life.

This Christmas let us, like Jesus, be the incarnation of a loving God who “became flesh” and counts on us to incarnate God’s love. Merry Christmas!