The Children of Christmas Eve

Fra Lippo, we have learned from thee
A lesson of humanity:
To every mother's heart forlorn,
In every house the Christ is born.
--R.W. Gilder, A Madonna of Fra Lippo Lippi

Over 50% of children in the United States are living in poverty. When I think of them, I recall the legend sometimes carved over the entryways of Scottish castles: Often, often, often, comes the Christ in the stranger's garb. Every child, indeed every living creature, partakes of the Christ. Let us all remember to be generous, in this season of giving, so that the Christ in us all will not go wanting.