Christmas

They were on the move. Without a home. A young man and his young female companion. They were expecting a baby. And nowhere to rest, to give birth, or to build a future.

It was dark and cold. They were in a city of some substance. Tall buildings loomed overhead. Cold damp streets held the cold that escaped daytime sun. At night few people were around. Just them and shadows.

Suddenly the woman bent over with a cry of pain. The baby was coming. No one was around. The man ducked down an alley and found shelter. It was a garbage dumpster with a lid hanging open. Nearby was a shipping crate now empty. He positioned the crate so it would carry the weight of the dumpster lid; a roof like overhand was made. Now-empty cartons were placed as walls. Shipping-packing materials provided ground cover and warmth.

They huddled inside their rude structure. Captured body heat kept them from freezing. The woman advanced in her labor. The child was coming. The man struggled to recall any memory of how to help deliver a baby. Cops did it. Taxi drivers, too. He resolved to fill the need himself.

The baby arrived. The woman cuddled the babe to soothe her own moans of pain. The man felt the promise of new birth. He knew, just knew, this was a sign of a better tomorrow. For them.

This scenario, is real. This happened. Is happening. In every large city in America. Homeless people seek shelter and future. Alone. Powerless. Their wits and hopes fuel them toward a better tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the promise of America dwindles as mean people look after themselves and not their fellows in need. Their Bible tells them to welcome the stranger. Their creed demands they do unto others as they would want to be treated. Their God pleads with them to do the right thing. Yet only a few respond. To the many in need.

Our souls pull us toward the powerless. We help in small ways. We try to ease the suffering.

In a rich nation it is often difficult to see those who suffer. That is part of the problem. Blinded by plenty we do not see those with little.

So it is up to professionals to help the unfortunate. But they need sustenance, too. Who guarantees that? Government? Churches? Volunteers? Or us; you and I.

Christmas is a special time of year. But it must prevail throughout the entire year, not just a week or four. Christmas is a reminder of our purpose and resolve. To do better and be better. Not just for ourselves, but for all of our fellows.

May your days be merry and bright, but may you also share your plenty with those without. Brightness grows with such sharing.

Merry Christmas.

December 25, 2018