These Villages of Ours

The sentimental tug of an old Christmas village, a refrigerator covered with holiday greetings from near and far, a few gift packs from Hickory Farms tucked under the tree for the people we forgot — the signs of the season tell us a story.

We, like the signs, take up our roles. Some do it eagerly with frenzied joy, others more tenderly because their hearts are breaking. A lighthouse leans in like the grand tower of Pisa’s Cathedral Square. A spindly pine transplanted from Whoville centers the scene. Burl Ives’ Snowman Sam softly narrates in front of the church.

Nothing is right, but still it is good.

If your village, like ours, has its share of flaws, on this wintery night, let the season of light remind you that beauty and hope abound.

Your neighbors and ours are doing their best. May the Lord above take care of the rest.