Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Dec/95

Contributor - Will Kroon

Title - Celebrating Christmas in an Institution

Topic - Christmas

Where will we be for Christmas? Most of us try to be at home or at a place of our own choosing. I mention this for many may not be aware that a small part of our population will not be able to go home for Christmas. They have no choice but be at the place where they are, whether it be in a Home for the Aged, a hospital, a prison, or any other institution. If they want to celebrate Christmas they will have to celebrate it at the place where they have been admitted.

For the past number of years I have often celebrated Christmas with patients in a hospital. I was not forced to do that. I had a choice in the matter and I also had the option to celebrate Christmas at home with my loved one. I had the freedom to make choices.

What I want to point out is that many of the patients who celebrate Christmas in an institution have no choice in the matter. Forces beyond their control dictate the circumstances of their lives. Consequently, they often wrestle with feelings of anger and resentment. This anger may be directed toward their family, staff and even toward God. "Why was I dumped here?" they wonder.

Being in an institution not only means that one is 'not at home," it also means that one is no longer free to make major decisions. Outside forces dictate many parts of one's life. For instance, the rules of the institution dictate when a person eats, sleeps, or watches TV. This creates feelings of anger and resentment. Boredom, sleeplessness, discomfort and pain may reinforce these feelings of resentment. These feelings may remain unexpressed most of the time but at times like Christmas they come to the surface, especially when the family does not visit or show other signs of affection.

Celebrating the birth of Christ in such an environment can be, and often is, different than celebrating Christmas in the context of the home church. On the other hand celebrating Christmas with people in an institution can be a refreshing experience. It can bring one in touch with the real spirit of Christmas. This was discovered by great theologians like Karl Barth, who often used to visit inmates in prison on Christmas Day and share the Christmas message with them.

Persons who are admitted to an institution may be more aware of what the first Christmas was all about than those who are not confined. They can identify with Joseph and Mary who were also forced to be away from home when the Christ was born. They also experienced loneliness, exhaustion and feelings of being out of place. Yet, they were the first one to discover that the Almighty sent His Son to be born in the midst of human need and suffering. He was present with His people and those who were open to the signs which God provided, were able to worship Him there.

Celebrating Christmas in an institution can indeed be a spiritual highlight. Not only for the persons in the institution but also for those who celebrate Christmas with them, such as staff, volunteers and family members. However, all this does not just happen. Neither may it be experienced by all. Christ may be present amongst us but not all who are present will recognize Him. Neither will all look for His presence in the midst of human suffering.

While on one hand it is not possible to explain the mystery of God's presence, for God works in mysterious ways. Yet, on the other hand when certain things happen residents in the institution will respond and discover God's presence. When visitors show a willingness to be with the people and respect them for what they are, they will take notice. When they begin to see them as caregivers who look behind their deformities and their disfigurations, gradual breakthroughs may occur. Cold hearts may be warmed and bitterness may turn into expressions of love. Where true love is present God dwells with His people! Experiencing these truths can be part of celebrating Christmas in an institution.

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