This time of the year is very difficult for some people , alone remembering Christmas past, unable to do things that they used to do and missing loved ones and friends. The United church in town has put a lot more of its efforts to the quality of life of individuals addressing real local issues. They are making a difference . They don't just say merry Christmas to the old women in church and watch her walk away home alone they stop and talk to her make sure she is all right and find out any help she needs.
The people put on a free Christmas dinner on the big day, for any one who finds themselves alone and wants company. It turns out there are several hundred people who go with several sittings and its not just the diners who enjoy and get help from their loneliness. The servers and cooks , cleanup staff, the people who rounded up the free food and contributed gifts all share this also. Old,very young, of every color and creed, of every religion, rich and the well to do and the beautiful sit beside those who are in a very different situation, and world. They are all as different and distinct and interesting as if someone purposely went out to fill the ark with two of every kind.
This in a town that 50 years ago was 99% white Anglo-saxon Protestant or Catholic and the church was where the wealthy gathered to be seen in their best while the poor where not seen at all. It was a boring little sleepy town set in its ways and its thinking. Now it is vibrant .diversified, exploding with different cultures from every where. And regardless of how you want to more closely identify their particular characteristics the more you see their similarity.
Its a wonderful world George
Merry Christmas