By Vickey Milligan

“It’s the MOST happiest time of the year, Right?”

Well, maybe not so much.  Those who have recently lost a loved one, those who’s loved one is serving in the US military and won’t be home, families too far away to come together, or those daily fighting drug, alcohol, sex, gambling, or food addictions often “fall off the wagon” during these supposedly most joyous of times.

Yes, for Christians, it is the ultimate celebration as we celebrate the birth of our Lord.  Wouldn’t it be fantastic if that was the celebration and not all this glamor, glitter, food, drinks, obligations, expectations of perfections, increased reminders of past mistakes, past loves and losses the holidays have turned into being?.  In this wonderful farming Crawford county, wouldn’t it be nice to gather quietly at a barn with our cows, horses, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, alpacas, llamas, sheep and all our other animals observing the Blessed Child in the manager with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the angels as they silently watch the Baby sleeping in the manger?

Unfortunately, for the majority of people, that’s not what is going to happen.  Those without loved ones gathered around may feel a deep, desperate loneliness, or families gathered together, often as a result of one too many “big boy refreshments” may bring up old wounds and restart the arguments again for another round of disappointments, while a recovering addict may be encouraged to pick up because “one won’t hurt you….”

Sure, that one may not…but for an addict….One really is TOO MUCH, and a thousand isn’t enough – .

And let’s not forget – even if one can get through the Christmas festivities, just one week later folks can be reminded again of their disappointments, loneliness, or depression as they watch the New Year ring in all alone (even with a group of people around them…)..

So this year, as we move into the frenetic last two weeks of the year, let’s make a VERY special effort to pay attention to every friend and family member.  Invite them to your church’s Christmas services.  Play Santa and leave a gift out for someone lonely.  Call that old friend to say you’re thinking of them.  Be attentive to individual needs – invite them to your parties, your festivities, but be cognizant that when someone refuses an alcoholic beverage or iced sugar cookie, there may be a reason.

For those of you or family members personally suffering from addiction – I personally want to invite you to an Alpha 12 Step Recovery Meeting.  The list of meetings can be found at http://www.alpha12step.com/, or you can call (419) 689-1412 for a friendly caring person to talk with.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all – May this year be the year to quietly visit the manger thankful for the Blessing of our new born King!