Sister Carmelina, O.C.D.
In this year when we celebrate the family, December highlights birth or new life. We recall the song Lo How a Rose E’re Blooming where we share with you the wonder of childhood and celebrate the child in each of us. Each new life is a blank slate upon which we write the story of our life.
We hope you can “write” your Christmas season with childlike simplicity at the joy of our Savior’s birth. As hectic as it can be, we all have to work at not letting the ‘hustle and bustle’ crowd out the true spirit of the season. Let’s recall the children within us, where we can be in the ‘receiving mode’ and remember again, the true meaning of Christmas. The great gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior who is born to set us free! This is THE greatest gift to receive and ironically becomes more powerful when He is given away. Let us give the gift of Jesus to others this Christmas season, the gift of love, generosity, peace, and joy.</P.Our first Sisters tell the story of one of their first Christmases in this country. Early on Christmas morning while still in bed, the Sisters heard caroling outside their front door. Afraid and unsure, they waited until the four men left before opening the door to find two large boxes of food for a Christmas dinner with a note: “Merry Christmas from the BPOE.” Hearing that the new Sisters had little food, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), or “Elks” came through with all the Christmas fixings.
Upon inquiring with friends, the Sisters discovered the identity of their benefactors, and that lovely relationship lasted for many years thereafter.
May we simply receive the gift of Jesus and give Him to others in need this Christmas season!
