A Christmas to Remember


Christmas at our monastery is usually very peaceful and quiet. 

This year, the holiday was quite different. 

During the morning liturgy, a water pipe broke in the first floor ceiling, and water poured down the hall in sheets. Almost immediately, there were firemen, police, EMTs, employees, and sisters on the scene, pushing water out the doors in freezing temperatures. They kept the water from getting to the main hall, and used vacuums and fans to get rid of the moisture in the carpets and walls. 

In spite of all this commotion, Christmas dinner was prepared and served, thanks to our super employees and some generous donors. It was an incredible group effort, and no one complained if the meal was not hot or something was missing. We were all just grateful to have so many generous people step up and provide help. 

The nursing and kitchen staff were able to do their jobs, in spite of soaked shoes and wet clothes. They were truly remarkable! They had gotten a Christmas bonus a few days before, and they deserved every penny of it.

Jesus was born in a humble stable, with the manure of animals all around. Not ideal conditions for a woman in labor and a newborn babe. They kept warm with old blankets and strewn hay. They adapted and used whatever was available.

Our conditions were nothing compared to the first Christmas. But, the calamity made me identify more with our Savior's birth.  It made me realize, more than ever, how Christmas is all about giving and caring about others, and celebrating the goodness of a God who came to earth in the form of a helpless baby.  

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