Empty Stocking

Warm Hearts, Willing Hands – Aviation Support Technician Federico Munoz of USS Bataan and his son stack food boxes at Salvation Army Christmas Depot, Virginia Beach, VA, Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Christina Shaw, Source US Navy (ID 101211-N-5268S-016)

“Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.

Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child’s cry, a blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven’t forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells, and with gifts.

But especially with gifts. You give me a book, I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer, and Uncle Henry can do with a new pipe. Oh, we forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled, all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up.

The stocking for the child born in a manger. It’s His birthday we’re celebrating. Don’t let us ever forget that.

Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then let each put in his share, loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.”

— Bishop Henry Brougham, from the Samuel Goldwyn classic The Bishop’s Wife

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

MAY GOD FILL YOUR HOMES WITH PEACE,

AND YOUR HEARTS WITH LOVE.

 READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse  http://www.avoicereclaimed.com