I am experiencing the Christmas rush without even going shopping. There seems to be an increase in friends request for help, more stuff to do around the house, more emails, letters and cards to read, more corresponding, more phone calls and just plain more to do.

Jesus was born in a cave for feeding animals with just his parents. He was placed in a manager used to feed animals. It was a silent night in Palestine with maybe a few shepherd wandering in and out of the cave.

This picture of the birth of Jesus is in contrast to what Christmas is today. We feel we should be happy and have gifts and friends all around and be full of joy. If we do not, if we are lonely and afraid this time of year, it can be a very difficult experience. Keeping busy is one way to avoid the absence of meaning in the consumerism of Christmas today.

I long for the silent Christmas. It is there if I can stop doing and hear and see the lonely child in the manager or on the street. Instead of Christmas rush we may need Christmas slow down and more silent nights.

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