There are different circumstances in our lives during the Christmas Season. Christmas with financial problems. Christmas with sicknesses. Christmas with family members missing. Christmas with broken relationships. Yet, Christmas remains. Remembering Jesus' birth. Remembering love. Finding hope and joy amidst the vicissitudes of life.
Yet, Alzheimer is totally different. It's dementia knows not it's Christmas. Not the Christmas songs, traditional food, greetings, or Christmas gifts help to bring the spirit of Christ' birth. The dementia sufferer belongs to a world of its own we cannot escape. The song, "do they know it's Christmas time at all" is so apt for them.
It is tremendously challenging for one who lives and cares for an Alzheimer sufferer. There is the consciousness of the very special day, yet had to contend with dementia that has no holidays. The sadness that one can not give a joyful gift for Jesus but a tear of frustration or even anguish. When the only thing one can offer is bearing and carrying the cross on Christmas day. When the only thing one can give others is to keep one's self for blaming self or anyone. When the only celebration is to make it through the day and be grateful for it.
A Christmas present when we receive God's gift of the Crucified Messiah. A Christmas present when accepted will bring the greater gift of resurrection and redemption. A Lent on Christmas, combining the two precious moments in history that leads to Easter.
It's terrible to be a killjoy on Christmas day, but it's a reality to live with for some people. Please pray for those who do not even know it's Christmas time at all.
