Recently, as I struggled through the crowded town, I saw a small boy running along behind his mother.
"Why's it called Christmas?" He shouted after her.
I didn't hear her answer, but it put me in mind of this story.
In the jeweller's window, half hidden among the Christmas tinsel, glitter and flashing fairy lights; the expensive rings and bracelets and necklaces; someone had placed a little wooden manger, with a tightly-swaddled figure of the Christchild. Anyone watching closely might have noticed that the tiny figure appeared to awaken, look around as though dazzled by his surroundings, start at the jangling sounds of the Christmas music and the cries of excited customers, and begin to sob. A manicured hand reached into the window from behind, and swiftly removed the little manger, replacing it with an expensive bejewelled watch.
"Why are taking that out?" someone asked.
"Oh, this old thing? It looks out of place here. We don't need it any more, so I decided to bin it. Besides, what's it got to do with Christmas?"
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Frances this little story brought a chill to me this morning. I'm afraid more and more people would agree with the clerk removing the tiny figure and replacing Him with a watch!
ReplyDeleteJill I just get tired of all the noise and the glitz. And everyone looks so gloomy!
DeleteIt's sad. Also, I'd really like to know what the mother told her son in answer to his question as to why it is called Christmas.
ReplyDeleteSo would I, Meike. But I didn't hang around to find out.
DeleteThanks Frances for making us all think about the real meaning of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Maggie.
DeleteSometimes it feels as though everything's got out of hand... and I say this as a non-believer who loves Chistmas.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you need to be a believer to want a little more peace and thoughtfulness, Wendy. As you say, it's all got out of hand.
DeleteFinances seem to have become far more important than faith, family and tradition when it comes to Christmas.
ReplyDeleteActually not just at Christmas.
I quite agree, Patsy. And I'm a fine one to talk as I've spent a fortune because I LOVE giving presents.
DeleteWONDERFUL. So true and so sad. that's just what it's like these days Thank you so much
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't like that in our day, Mrs.B, was it?
DeleteWhat a powerful little story, Frances. Why don't you use the idea along with the little boy's question to write a Christmas story? Wishing you and yours a happy, Peaceful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rosemary. A good idea, but I might have to wait a year before writing It! I hope you have a lovely Christmas, too.
DeleteMerry Christmas, Frances and a Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Keith. And the same good wishes to you.
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