It may or may not be true that “there’s no place like home for the holidays,” but it is certainly true that we can’t always be home. Those who are, or have been, in the military know that all too well. The same is true for many others, including ELCA missionaries. Where have you — either in the past or this year — spent Christmas away from home? Was the season more meaningful in some ways because of the separation?
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My congregation will spend Christmas Eve in the borrowed facility of an ecumenical partner, and for Christmas Day we will celebrate together in a family's home. While borne out of necessity, it reminds us of what the church really is.
Last Christmas day, a dear, sweet member of my parish (my children call her "Grandma" although biologically she's not)suffered a severe stroke. I spent a good part of that evening with her in the ICU. (Another family in our parish spent most of the day with her, waiting until later to call me so that I could rest and relax with my family after a busy Christmas Eve. How very thoughtful!) At the hospital I was surprised by how many people were there working when so much of the world was out partying. It really should not have been a surprise because before seminary I was a medical technologist and often had to work (alone in my lab) on Christmas, Easter, etc. On one hand it is satisfying to know you are providing a necessary service. On the other hand it can be quite lonely. Thank God forthe radio playing Christmas carols. On Christmas Day now I like to visit some our homebound members who get Meals On Wheels and share some of our home cooked Christmas Dinner with them.