Christmas in Prison

I cannot imagine what it would be like to spend Christmas in prison without family or friends or gifts. It sounds unbearably lonely and inhumane.

Image result for prison pictures inmates
Pope Francis visits prisoners.
I write to a prisoner who is spending his life in prison for a crime committed in his youth. He has spent most of this life behind bars. Yet he always begins his letters with “Another God-given day!” and ends with “God bless you and all the sisters.” 

My prisoner friend, who is in his 60s, has no family left. He has run out of appeals so he has no hope of release. I send him jokes, poems, stationery, and stamps, and he is always grateful. There are restrictions on what he can receive.

I’m sure he can identify with the Christchild born in a stable with little comfort or warmth. But Jesus at least had his parents surrounding him with love. At the end, of course, Jesus was abandoned on the cross and died a shameful death.

During this Christmas season, perhaps we can say an extra prayer for all those who will spend it in prison with maybe a little better dinner for the occasion. Most will have no family visitors or gifts to open. May God’s love surround them and God’s mercy give them peace of mind and heart.  

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