Isn’t it strange we just assume that everyone, everywhere knows the story of the birth of the Christ child? This isn’t so. There are still areas in the world where the story has not been told.
If you have an opportunity and like to read, try and find a copy of the book, “Seven Stories of Christmas Love” by Leo Buscaglia.
It intrigued me at first because it reminded me of my Grandmother Hanson, who always had room in her bed for her grandchildren, and how they loved it.
My grandmother used the time to talk and tell stories, but mostly it was a time of shared love. It was not unusual for her to have six, seven or even eight or more little ones in her bed, probably laid crosswise to accommodate them all. Back then there was no such thing as a king or queen size bed, so things were really tight.
The children are adults now and have children of their own, but they all remember Grandma and the times spent with her in her bed. It was an honor and a gift they always looked forward to and remembered.
Back to the story. Buscaglia was a professor who went beyond modern civilization into the green wilderness of Bali. He reminds us that Christmas can last more than one day of the year, and that the true spirit and magic of the season can be felt every day of the year.
The natives he encountered had never heard the Christmas Story. As he told the story they were spellbound by the tale and especially intrigued in the fact there was no room in the inn for the Christ Child.
Part of their culture was like my grandmother’s. The natives honored Buscaglia by inviting some of the people to share his bed. Nothing sexual about it, just the touch and warmth of others. Is that what Grandma shared?
The natives kept referring to the fact that there was no room for Jesus and his family to stay. We must not let that happen to our church families. There must always be room for our religion and it should be a honor.
Perhaps there is a story there. No, we don’t have to share our bed, but it could be a symbol that we could, or should, always share our lives in a loving way with those around us. We can share our love and feelings with those around us and always make room to add one more. There should always be room for more — more religion, more acts of kindness, more love for others, and more service to our Lord.
We should always have room in our life for God and all that He stands for! No room in the inn? Make room and glorify God.
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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also, if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like to include, or news to share, please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035; or telephone, 507-256-4405.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, November 26th: Darlene Krohnberg, Cody Christensen, Robert Gasner, Linda Stieglbauer, Drew Vangen, Ashley Bergerson, Al & Diane Lee, Jamie & Kate Cameron
• Friday, November 27th: Jack Kuchenbecker, Kyle Goslee, Olivia Rae Kohn, Paul Kasper, Cyrstal Spurr, Mike Draayer, Lorna Berg, Sandra Tonsing
• Saturday, November 28th: Quinn Lauren Wayne, Vicki Peterson, Jackie & Scott Miller
• Sunday, November 29th: Connie Smith, Dean Peterson, Emily Butler, La Vonna Ruhl, Christy & Tim Berry, Pastor Carrie & Dan McElfresh
• Monday, November 30th: Dan Mrotz, Lindsey Hagen, Lindsey Schlaak, Sophia Jepson, Eric Knudson, Norell Wood, Kellen Utpadel, David & Lizell Swearingen, Andy & Emily Butler
• Tuesday, December 1st: Ethan Elliot Marzoff, Kyle Anthony Neidermeier, Jim Cornelius, Brian Waage, Laurie Ellis, Teri Horan Finke, Barbara Wangsness
• Wednesday, December 2nd: Maryalice Hanson, Liam William Philip Abbott, Allura Danon Johnson, Leah Wayne, Allura Danon Johnson, Paige Sorenson, Lyle Paulson, Jean Richards Worrell, Helen Sawyer, Heidi Wangsness, Heather Peterson, Dale Schewe
• Thursday, December 3rd: Eric Degan, Ethan Fletcher Cornelius, Brian Van Ravenhorst
• Friday, December 4th: Sue Mattson, Jessica Shultz, Sandy Larson Russo, Sue Brown Asplund, Shawn Vangen Steffen, Jeff Kasper, Skylar Larson, Holly Pichner, Max Jensen, Casey & Jon Homuth
May you find joy and pleasure all around you on your special day. Thanksgiving, and every day, are days for "thanks giving."
