Merry Christmas to you

Caregivers come in all shapes and sizes.  Some are spouses – imagine Joseph steadying his wife as she crossed the weary miles on donkey-back.  Imagine Mary smiling at him and encouraging him for she knew he felt a heavy weight of responsiblity for his family.

Some caregivers are people who know where the resources are and point you in the right direction.  The innkeeper didn’t have a room, but he did have a resource – a barn that served the purpose needed.  Sometimes you just can’t figure out the next move, and a caring person points you to the unexpected resource.

Some caregivers are animals – pets, working dogs, livestock who provide us with milk and meat.  It always touches me to see how much love and life an animal can offer – to a chronically ill person and to caregivers.  I imagine the animals in the stable both warmed the air with their body heat and also filled the space with the ordinary and creaturely wonder of life.

Some caregivers are strangers who just by a word or a moment of attention let you know that you matter.  And that your life – be you weak and needing care at this time or giving care to another and kind of wearing out – sometimes the recognition of your worth and a simple word of thanksgiving and praise to God for making you can make all the difference.  Think of what Mary and Joseph must have felt when the shepherd strangers came to their makeshift birthing room and declared how holy and gracious was the night and the life of their child.

And finally, all caregivers are giftbearers.  The wise men came from afar bearing gifts,  but sometimes the gift is in the pocket of the person who is your neighbor, your pastor, your friend, the pharmacy tech, your child, your brother, your sister, your dog or cat, your uncle, your aunt, your colleague, your student, your least expected encounter.

Merry Christmas.  Remember God so loved the world that God came to us looking for all the world like a little baby needing total care.  You need care, too.  And you have lots of caring gifts to offer the world in Christ’s name.  Peace, Martha Sterne

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