Greetings,

Yesterday, at lunch, my friend Cia told me how she and her brother picked up a tree to take over to their three nieces and nephew, ranging in age from three to twelve. 

They knew that the children would already be in bed by the time they got to their sister's.  They were hoping to surprise the kids with a fully decorated, lighted Christmas tree when they awakened the next morning.

When their sister --  single, never-married parent of these four children -- came to the door and saw them with tree in hand, she was incensed.

There would be no tree in her home, she told them. The kids would be allowed to have only one present each this year, and they, Cia and her brother, were not to bring any more over. She had already informed the children that Santa Claus did not exist. That he was a lie.  And would they simply respect her wishes. 

These are her kids, and respecting her wishes, Cia and her brother skedaddled as quickly as they came, grateful that the children did not witness this most recent row.  

There would be no Norman Rockwell Christmas for these kids. What is an aunt and uncle to do?

I had no answers. 

My heart broke a little for these children.  And for their mom, who may have never experienced the wonder of Christmas.  Of Christmas lights.  Of lying under its branches, entranced, mesmerized, and transfixed.

I suggested prayer with soft hearts.

In the real spirit of Christ-mas, won't you join me in prayer for Cia, her brother, her sister, and those children?

"Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, there I am."  
~ Christ

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