A hug can mean more than a gift

Back during World War II, some American military persons were taking some R & R from the rigors of being on the front lines. They ended up in a small French village on Christmas Eve.

Remembering Christmases past, they talked about the ways they could celebrate it. One said he remembered seeing an orphanage on the way into the village and perhaps they could go there and share with the children. So, they went and talked with the director of the orphanage who was thrilled and excited about the idea.

The fellows went out and bought all kinds of presents - toys, games, candy, books, clothing - you name it, they bought it. On Christmas morning, they took all they had bought to the orphanage and began sharing with all the children. Everyone seemed so excited, all except one little girl who stayed to herself off to the side. One of the men asked the director about her, and the director said, "O, bless her heart. We just got her last week. Both of her parents were killed, and there was no one to take her, so we brought her here. The soldier went over and sat down by the little girl and said, "It's Christmas morning and we have some wonderful Christmas presents. What would you like?" The little girl looked the soldier in the eye and said, "I'd like for somebody to hold me!"

There are many people this Christmas who would like to be held, perhaps not physically, but just to know that they are valued and that somebody cares about them. We show that quality as we gather food for the poor and needy, and more so, as we go to the various places where they gather to get a meal, and serve it to them. Or we provide some warm clothing, or warm blankets, or a bed in a shelter so they can feel safe and nurtured. Or perhaps they have just lost a loved one, or going through a personal crisis.

This is the season that so many just "want somebody to hold" them - how can we fail to do so when we remember the words of Jesus, "Inasmuch as you do it to one of the least of these, you do it to me."