The Second Day of Christmas; Saint Stephen’s Day
“Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself.” ~ Francis C. Farley
The Second Day of Christmas is the one that reminds us of unconditional love and perfect dedication. It is the feast day of St. Stephen. We are reminded that love overcomes hatred as evidenced by his legacy left which somewhat troubles the hearts and souls of those who are filled with malice and malcontent. That gift of love left by Stephen haunted his persecutor, Saul of Tarsus, until he could stand it no more. On a dusty road, he saw the light and was forever converted. St. Paul cleared the way for all of us to follow. Love triumphs, Love wins, Love endures.
What a message we receive in these days of Christmas celebration! There is an urge to get it all over with, to pack up the decorations, put away the presents, clean up the mess, and to resume the day-to-day routines. How about if we summon the spirit to resist that temptation right now? Two turtle doves are the symbol of this second day of Christmas. It is the perfect opportunity to think about those little loving creatures who dedicate their entire lives to each other. They are little signs of God’s love; a love which makes no demands and asks no favors and has no strings attached. Think of how unlike that our regular, busy or hum-drum days can be. We require performance from each other. We expect returns for what we give. We keep step with an invisible and arduous drummer telling us to be worthy.
I stand against trying to put Christmas back into storage bins and boxes. Give it up! Settle into the 12 Days and receive a new way of living out the love which is given so freely. Perhaps, even after two thousand years, St.Stephen and St. Paul have personally left each of us with a cleared the way that we might navigate life differently.
A Mother's Love
On this Mother’s Day, all of this reminds me that our mothers are truly to be called blessed forever. The love they give is more than we can ever return. So, today I will pray for all mothers. I will remember their love that gives us life.
"But there's a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin." ~ Mitch Albom
Our mothers give us life.
Nurtured and developed as one from our conception to birth, we spend the rest of our time separating. We yearn for her embrace and reject it over and over. We bless her for her kindness and protection, and then curse her for embarrassing and smothering us. We run back to her for kisses yet flee her when we are ‘busy’.
There are so many complications in our relationships. That same giver of life, however, never gives up on us, never grows truly weary of our bothers and always hopes and prays for us.
I have been given the great blessing of witnessing generations of mothers in my family. My daughters have given birth to my grandsons and granddaughters.
Five years ago my wife and I went to be with my youngest after the birth of her first child, Jack. The way she looked down at her little guy with that wondrous frown of delight, her tenderness, soothing words, pleasure in her husband, and hourly sacrifices made me remember her mother. I see her in her Mama’s arms and something inside of me sees my mom and grandmother doing the same things through the ages.
I have experienced the transformation of my daughter-in-law as she moves from work to home summoning effortlessly the energy and happiness of raising and playing with our two granddaughters in Memphis. Then I remember playing with my own mother and grandmother on the floor as a little one.
My dear wife mothers her children, her grandchildren, her former students and her wayward husband ceaselessly and I am awed. There is never a day that goes by without her compassionate words of encouragement.
I experienced the passing of my sister-in-law a few years ago. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grieved her loss and celebrated her life together. Her grace remains with each of them as time goes on.
On this Mother’s Day, all of this reminds me that our mothers are truly to be called blessed forever. The love they give is more than we can ever return. So, today I will pray for all mothers. I will remember their love that gives us life.
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Robert Kenneth Jones is an innovator in the treatment of addiction and childhood abuse.
In a career spanning over four decades, his work helping people recover from childhood abuse and addiction has earned him the respect of his peers.
His blog, An Elephant for Breakfast, testifies to the power of the human spirit to overcome the worst of life’s difficulties. We encourage you to visit and share this rich source of healing, inspiration and meditation.
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Bob Jones’ blog An Elephant for Breakfast
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