It seems like every time I turn on my TV recently there is an ad about the new Grinch movie. You remember the story of the Grinch, the mean one with the green hairy skin and yellow teeth and impish grin. The Grinch loathed Christmas and set out to steal Christmas from the people of Whoville. He was determined to snatch up all the gifts using his net launching candy canes (pretty cool invention). He snatched up all their tinsel and trimmings. He stole the goodies that had been baked and the stockings from the mantels. He did not even leave the tiniest bit of Christmas glitter in all the homes of Whoville.
The cloud of gloom and sadness fell over Whoville. Like the people of Whoville, our children know sadness and aloneness. Often the glitter and light of excitement has been stolen from the eyes of these precious children. Their dreams of Christmas have been shattered by abuse, neglect, abandonment and crisis.
How do you explain peace, hope and joy to a child that has never experienced it? How do you describe the excitement and wonder of Christmas to a child whose only shelter has been the street? How do you tell a young girl that the joy of Christ is for her when she feels so lonely and afraid?
When we asked the children about special Christmas memories, Mary responded: “ I don’t have a best Christmas memory. As far back as I can remember my Mom has been on drugs. My Dad has been in and out of prison. My best Christmas memory, I don’t have one! No, My best Christmas memory…last night when our cottage made Christmas cookies and decorated the tree. I am safe with people who really care about me. “
This Christmas will definitely be my best Christmas, because I now know the real reason for Christmas. Since coming to Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, I have the Christ in Christmas in my heart. This year I will celebrate Christmas!
Remember the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas? He tried, but failed. Christmas is a celebration of God’s love. Celebrate! The birth of the Christ child is a promise of His abiding love. Celebrate! Christmas is a celebration of the peace, hope and joy we experience through Christ’s love for each one of us. Celebrate!
“Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people.” Great joy has come to us, and it is ours to share with those who need it so desperately. Thank you for sharing great joy with those God has entrusted to us to care for each day.
It is important that the promise of peace, hope, joy and love of which this season so strongly reminds us, not end when the lights are taken off the tree, the ornaments have been stored, and the remnants of the season are no longer visible. The impact of the Christ in Christmas is not for a season, but everlasting!
Throughout the year, thousands will continue to come to BCH seeking a safe and caring refuge. Thanks to you, we will offer them a nurturing atmosphere where peace love and joy abounds… A place where they will experience the true meaning of Christmas 365 days a year.
Thank YOU!