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Glitzen, The Most Fabulous Reindeer of All

Early one May at the North Pole, one of Santa’s reindeer gave birth to a little reindeer. When the little reindeer stood for the first time, he fell forward, directly into a pile of glitter meant for Santa’s toy shop. Everybody laughed at the little fella when he stood back up on shaky legs and his nose was covered in glitter. His mother decided then that she would name the boy Glitzen a portmanteau of her father Blitzen’s name and the glitter he fell into. As Glitzen began to grow, everyone noticed that his nose continued to sparkle. It seemed he never could get rid of all that glitter that was his first encounter in this world.

All the boy reindeers used to laugh and call him names. Glitzen knew he was different. Instead of playing reindeer games with the other bucks, he preferred to prance and dance around with the does. He always had a great time with the young does, and he always felt more conformable with them. They never laughed and called him names, and he always seemed to have the best ideas on how to make the does more fabulous. Glitzen had a natural instinct for fashion and decorating. He knew just how to make anyone, and everything seem more fabulous. The young bucks refused to have anything to do with him. His parents loved him, but his father was always a little embarrassed by his son. His mother knew her son was different, but she loved how confident he was in himself, even when the other reindeer bullied him.

One year, the world seemed especially gloomy. A pandemic had swept over the Earth. Santa’s elves just didn’t have the spark they usually had. The toys didn’t sparkle, and the wrapped packages were drab. Santa was so disappointed, but he understood that when the world was gloomy, the North Pole was always gloomy as well. Everything in Santa’s Village at the North Pole fed on the energy of the world. When the world was unhappy, Santa’s Village was unhappy too. Santa was blue too, but he tried to keep his spirits up for all those at the North Pole. Santa decided to walk around his Village to try to cheer everyone up and maybe get some spark back around the place.

As Santa walked around, he noticed that the reindeer were not playing any games, just moping around. The elves had no pep in their work making toys, and it showed with the toys they were making. As Santa continued to walk around, he heard laughter and singing from somewhere. Santa immediately perked up because someone was obviously having fun. Santa followed the sound to see where the joy was coming from. He entered the barn to see a fabulous sight, a group of young reindeer were dancing and singing. It looked like they were being led by a young reindeer with glitter on his nose and a string of lights in his antlers. The young buck’s bells were making the most wonderous noise, and all seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Santa said, “Everyone outside and in the toy shop was so gloomy, what happened in here to make everyone so festive?” All of the reindeer just laughed and pointed to Glitzen. Santa said, “Glitzen, my boy, how are you able to be so cheerful when everyone else is so gloomy?”

 

Glitzen looked at Santa and said, “Santa, we can’t all be gloom and doom. Someone has to get the Spirit of Christmas in the air. A little glitter, some lights, and bells can make the world a bit merrier again. I just wanted to show everyone that we need a little Christmas right now.” Then, Glitzen began to sing:

Haul out the holly
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again
Fill up the stocking
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.

For we need a little Christmas, right this very minute
Candles in the window, carols at the spinet
Yes, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute
Hasn't snowed a single flurry, but Santa dear we're in a hurry.

Santa joined in singing:

I need to climb down the chimney
Turn on the brightest string of lights I've ever seen
Slice up the fruit cake
It's time we've hung some tinsel on the evergreen bough.

Before anyone realized what was going on, the cheer seen in the barn had spread throughout the North Pole. Everyone began to sing:

For I've grown a little leaner, grown a little colder
Grown a little sadder, grown a little older
And I need a little angel sitting on my shoulder
Need a little Christmas now

For we need a little music, need a little laughter
Need a little singing ringing through the rafter
And we need a little snappy, happy ever after
We need a little Christmas now.

When the song died down, Santa said, “Yes, we do need a little Christmas now. Glitzen thank you for bringing Christmas cheer back to the North Pole. We need to spread this through the whole world. Glitzen, can you do two things for me?”

 

Glitzen said, “I’ll do anything I can Santa. What do you need me to do?”

“Glitzen, I need you to help get the elves and the other reindeer in the Christmas spirit again,” said Santa. “Then, on Christmas Eve when I go out to deliver presents to all the boys and girls, I need you to spread this Christmas spirit around the world. People may be on lockdown or quarantined. They may be away from their family for the first time, but they need to know that the joy of the Christmas season can still be felt. We can’t let this pandemic get us down. Will you do that for me, Glitzen?”

 

Glitzen nodded his head, and he and the girls began to go around covering everything with glitter and tinsel. They sang Christmas songs to get everyone back in the mood for a joyous Christmas. All of the young reindeer, including the young bucks who’d made fun of Glitzen, got into the spirit. The elves had their spark back and the toys shone with glee. The packages they wrapped under Glitzen’s direction were some of the most fabulous to ever come from the North Pole.

On Christmas Eve, Glitzen led Santa’s sleigh spreading glitter and joy throughout the world. While the world still woke up to a pandemic on Christmas Day and many were still separated from each other, there was a new cheer in the world, a fabulousness that it thought it had lost. The Christmas lights on the trees seemed to sparkle just a little more brightly that morning. The tinsel seemed to almost glow on the trees. People went to their windows and threw open the sash. They all sang in unison, no matter their language. They sang “Santa Baby,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “All I Want for Christmas is You.” It was a gay old time and the most fabulous Christmas anyone could imagine.

Santa and all the reindeer congratulated Glitzen on not only being the most fabulous reindeer of all, but for making it the most fabulous Christmas of all.

 

Merry Christmas, Everyone! 

 

May you all have a fabulous Christmas, too, and if you wake up with a bit of glitter everywhere, then maybe Glitzen has been with Santa to your house this year.

P.S. I know this is a silly story, and I posted it once before a few years ago. However, I wanted to add a few illustrations to it this year. The story came about because I was listening to “Rudolph, the Red Nose Reindeer” on the radio, and I thought of the words, “All of the other reindeer / Used to laugh and call him names / They never let poor Rudolph / Join in any reindeer games.” How many of us growing up as little gay boys had others laugh and call us names? How many of us were never allowed to join others in their games? Rudolph could have been many of us growing up, but instead of having a red shiny nose, ours was a metaphorical glittery nose. We are all fabulous in our own way, and it’s time we recognize just how fabulous Christmas is because of all the gay people out there.


I did something I have never done with a post before and used all AI created images. It’s amazing what ChatGPT can come up with when you ask the right questions.

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The Journey to Joy

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.

— Matthew 2:9-11

Christmas is a season full of movement. The nativity story itself is a tapestry of journeys. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem. The shepherds hurried from their fields to the manger. The magi traversed faraway lands, following a star. Even the angels traveled from the realms of heaven to proclaim, “Glory to God in the highest!” 

I am currently somewhere in the air between Burlington and Philadelphia, or at least I hope I am. I scheduled this post a few days ago. I’m on my way to see family for Christmas. I would say, I am going home, but Vermont is my home now and has been for a while. Alabama is where my family is and where I grew up. One of the popular classic Christmas songs is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” It’s a song that stirs memories of connection, love, and the longing for home—a place where we are seen, cherished, and known. But what does it mean to be home for Christmas, especially for those of us in the LGBTQ+ community? For some, home is a place of comfort and joy. For others, like me, it can be a complicated memory or even a wound. And for many, home is something we have had to build ourselves—choosing love, creating family, and shaping spaces where we are celebrated for who we are.

Many of you may be traveling this week, whether home, to visit family, or taking a Christmas vacation. Travel is central to this season. And, in some ways, we are all traveling. Whether literally—on crowded roads, in bustling airports—or metaphorically—on personal journeys of faith, healing, or rediscovery—this time of year reminds us that life is a pilgrimage. But traveling isn’t easy, is it? Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem was grueling. The shepherds left their flocks, stepping into uncertainty. The magi followed a distant light, navigating unfamiliar terrain. Each journey was fraught with challenges, but each was also guided by a deeper purpose. Their journeys were not just about the destination but about transformation. And the same is true for us.

Traveling often takes us out of our comfort zones. I’m afraid of flying, though I have gotten better as I have had to fly more often in the past ten years. Sometimes, we travel to new and unfamiliar places, and it can really take us out of our comfort zone if we are alone in our travels. But it can also be a liberating experience. We can be more ourselves in a strange place because no one we know are there. Whether the travels we take are literally journey, or the spiritual path we’re on, there’s uncertainty in leaving what we know. Some of us may feel like Mary and Joseph, carrying heavy burdens on a road we didn’t choose. Others may feel like the magi, searching for something we can’t yet name.

Sometimes the path feels lonely, or the way forward unclear. Yet the story of Christmas reminds us that God walks with us. Whether we are weary travelers like Mary and Joseph or seekers like the magi, God does not abandon us on the road. However, remember what Psalm 121:7-8 says, “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” The magi had the star to guide them—a beacon of hope, a sign that they were on the right path. We, too, have light for our journeys. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

The light for our journey might come in the form of Scripture, prayer, or the love of our community. God’s light might come through moments of unexpected grace—a kind word, a door opened, a heart softened. Even when the road feels dark, God places stars in our lives to remind us that we are not lost. John 8:12 tells us, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” The magi didn’t know exactly where their journey would take them, but they trusted the star. In Matthew 2:2, the magi said to Herod, “We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When they finally arrived to find Jesus, their trust was rewarded with joy.  

When we think about the Christmas story, it’s easy to focus on the stable as the destination. But the true destination was not the place—it was the presence of Christ. In 1 John 1:5, we are told, “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” This is what all our traveling leads to: encountering the divine. Matthew 28:20 says, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Whether your journey is one of faith, reconciliation, healing, or self-discovery, the promise of Christmas is that God is waiting for you, not at some distant destination, but in the very heart of your journey.

When the magi arrived, they were overjoyed—not because the road had been easy, but because they found what they were searching for. In Christ, they found the fulfillment of their hopes and the embodiment of God’s love. This Christmas, I encourage you to reflect on the journey you’re on. Where are you headed? What are you seeking? And where might God be calling you to take the next step? Jesus tells the disciples in Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” We don’t have to go our preaching on the street corners to spread the word of Christ, we just need to live in the way Christ commands us to and follow his example of love and kindness. All of our journeys are different. Perhaps your journey is toward forgiveness. Maybe it’s toward reconnection with family or friends. It could be about rediscovering your faith or offering love to someone in need. Wherever your journey takes you, know this: God is with you every step of the way. Christ came to dwell among us so that no road would ever be traveled alone. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

And as we travel, we are also called to be like the magi—to bring our gifts to Christ and to the world. What gifts can you bring this season? A listening ear? A kind word? A helping hand? Every gift, no matter how small, becomes sacred when offered in love. Christmas reminds us that the journey matters as much as the destination. Like the magi, we are all travelers, seeking the light. We will find joy—not in perfection or ease, but in the presence of Christ, who meets us right where we are. So, take heart on your journey. Follow the light, trust the road, and know that joy awaits.

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Moment of Zen: Christmas Lights

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Cooking Breakfast

I don’t often get up in the morning and make much for breakfast. I always eat breakfast, but I usually only have time to pop something in the toaster or microwave, but occasionally, I get in the mood to make more. I’m will sometimes make biscuits and gravy or cheese grits. If I am feeling particular energetic, I might even fry up some bacon, dice some potatoes and cook them in a bit of the bacon grease, and scramble some eggs. I feel like doing that this morning. I’d love to have someone here to cook for and share a nice breakfast with, but it’s just me and Isabella, who would prefer her salmon for breakfast. This morning, I am feeling somewhat energetic, and I got some bacon at the grocery store yesterday and when I finish writing this, I plan to fry up some bacon, eggs, and potatoes. I’m working from home today, so I have the leisurely ability to do so. However, unlike the guy in the picture, I put on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt to cook in. There is one rule of cooking to always keep in mind, don’t cook bacon naked. Bacon grease is going to pop out of the pan, and you do not want a grease burn on a sensitive area. At least the guy above put on an apron.

Have a great weekend everyone! I have nearly two weeks off work for the holidays. One of those weeks will be spent in Alabama and the other at home recovering/relaxing. I will send some updates while I am in Alabama, but most of my posts will be set up before I leave. Internet can be unreliable where my parents live, but I’ll do my best to let y’all know how I am handling being back in Alabama.

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Half Day

We were expecting 3-5” of snow last night, but it seemed to have been more of a rain event. It was raining when I went to bed last night and when I woke up this morning, we had less than an inch of snow. I’m hoping that the small amount of snow we’ve received is not hiding a layer of ice. I hate when there is a layer of ice below because it makes it deceptively slippery when walking to my car, and it will make it much more difficult to clean the snow off my car so I can actually drive to work.

I’m only working half a day today. I have an audiology appointment this afternoon. Tomorrow, I will be working from home, so this morning is the last time I have to go to the museum until we return from the holiday break on January 2. I need a break from the museum, but I am not sure that next week, which I will be spending in Alabama, will provide the necessary rest (mentally and physically) that I need right now.

Putting all that aside, I owe y’all some Isabella pics. Yes, I said pics, as in more than one, because here are a few Isabella Christmas pictures. The first two pictures are from her first Christmas, which she spent with a coworker while I was in Alabama. The other two are from a few years ago.

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The Drones 🛸

 

***This post is meant to be tongue-in-cheek. Do not take it seriously.***

 

If you have been following the news in the United States, you have no doubt heard about the drones that are appearing in the skies. If you are not familiar, here is a little background. A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over parts of New Jersey and have been spotted in recent days across the eastern U.S., sparking speculation and concern over where they are coming from and why. Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing them in the state since mid-November. At first they were spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, which feeds the Round Valley Reservoir, the state’s largest aquifer, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of New York City. But soon sightings were reported statewide, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. The government has stated that a review of the reported sightings shows that many of them are actually manned aircraft being flown lawfully, echoing the opinion of officials and drone experts. The Homeland Security and the FBI also said in a joint statement they have no evidence that the sightings pose “a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” 

 

Conspiracy theories are going wild. Here is my theory: they are a precursor to an alien invasion. If you have read this blog for a while, you no doubt know that I am a fan of science fiction, especially Star Trek. I also find it hard to believe that the people of earth are the only intelligent beings in the universe. Astronomers have discovered planets in the known universe that are in what is known as a "habitable zone," region around a star where planets can receive the perfect amount of heat to maintain liquid water on their surfaces. The theory being that planets in a habitable zone may also be planets capable of supporting Earth-like extraterrestrial life and intelligence. It’s hard for me to believe that we are the only ones out there. What has not been figured out by scientists on earth is how to bend the laws of physics to allow interstellar space travel like we often see in science fiction. However, that does not mean that someone else out there has evolved enough to make this discovery.

 

In 1947, the United States Army Air Forces balloon debris recovered near Roswell, New Mexico, was actually a crashed extraterrestrial spacecraft. Operated from the nearby Alamogordo Army Air Field and part of the top secret Project Mogul, the balloon was intended to detect Soviet nuclear tests. After metallic and rubber debris were recovered by Roswell Army Air Field personnel, the United States Army announced their possession of a "flying disc". This announcement made international headlines but was retracted within a day. To obscure the purpose and source of the debris, the army reported that it was a conventional weather balloon. While this has always been a fun conspiracy theory (though there are those who will believe anything), what if that crashed “weather balloon” was really a crashed extraterrestrial spacecraft? The government and the military has been known to lie to cover up different things, so this could be one of them.

 

If it was an extraterrestrial spacecraft, why have they not made contact since? It could be that they looked at the geopolitical state of the Earth, the Cold War, and the potential for nuclear war as a reason to “wait and see what happens.” The people of Earth might destroy themselves with nuclear weapons and either make the planet uninhabitable and thus useless or with the advances in technology available to an advanced species, they could rid the planet of deadly radiation and colonize the planet with no resistance. So, they waited. What they saw was a planet of people who were constantly at war, but that one country had developed an overwhelmingly powerful military industrial complex that might be able to make an invasion difficult, but probably not impossible. I am talking about the military industrial complex of the United States here if you had not realized that yet. Then in early November 2024, the country with the greatest military known in human history proved that more than half the country is fucking stupid enough to elect an old, fat, stupid, and senile rapist, convicted felon, and lifetime conman to be the leader of this country. Then they have watched as he appoints people to his government who are drunks, child traffickers, other rapists, and just plain evil/stupid/crazy (use whichever adjective fits) people. They would have realized by now by watching right-wing news media and the Republicans in Congress, that this proposed cabinet and loyal followers this orange idiot who was elected president love conspiracy theories and will get whipped up into hysteria quite easily over nothing. So, by sending a few low tech observation probes to scout the United States, they can get these blithering idiots (and to their surprise and delight there are many Democrats who are also falling for their scheme), they can distract the people of the United States into now seeing the big picture, which has always been apparent throughout the nation’s history.

 

In other words, if you are going to strike when the iron is hot, defeat them at their lowest weakest moment, NOW is the time to do so. By January 20^th, all three branches of the United States government will be controlled by some of the stupidest people to ever exist in the country. These extraterrestrials probably have realized that China could pose a problem but could be dealt with effectively. The country is already ruled by fear and a corrupt government, they could probably be bought off and convinced to surrender because the extraterrestrials would take care of their largest competitor, the United States. Easy-peasy. Hell, COVID-19 could have been their first strike to weaken the planet, and they got lucky (we got unlucky) when stupidity won the 2024 presidential election.

 

So, the drones could be observation probes sent by extraterrestrials to scout out the planet, or…it could be a group of people who think it’s hilarious to freak out the United States like the so-called “killer clowns” in 2016. Then again, it could be some nefarious foreign government behind the drones. Maybe they started “innocently” by appearing over the Raritan River in New Jersey, then moved onto military complexes, major cities, and an orange idiots golf course. I don’t think they would be gathering intelligence for an invasion, there are much better ways to do that, but they may be scouting potential terrorist targets. A large percentage (though not a voting majority apparently) of the United States and the rest of the world know that form January 20, 2025 until at least January 2027 (if the Democrats are able to take control of Congress in the midterm elections), the United States will be in utter chaos as the patients have been chosen to run the asylum, or more appropriately in this case, the inmates have been given control of not just the prison, but the government as well. 

 

Regardless, the United States is fucked for at least the next two years. Honestly, if there are extraterrestrials scouting out the United States, they have at least proven that they have a far greater intelligence than the inhabitants of Earth and might actually be benevolent beings who could save us all. Live Long and Prosper!🖖 

This post is brought to you by me being bored at work and having too much time for my mind to wonder about senseless things. Luckily, you will be spared another set of similar musings because I will not be at work today and instead will be going to Dartmouth for my next Botox treatment for my migraines.

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Christmas Light

Christmas Light
By May Sarton

When everyone had gone
I sat in the library
With the small silent tree,
She and I alone.
How softly she shone!

And for the first time then
For the first time this year,
I felt reborn again,
I knew love’s presence near.

Love distant, love detached
And strangely without weight,
Was with me in the night
When everyone had gone
And the garland of pure light
Stayed on, stayed on.

About the Poem

 

May Sarton’s poem “Christmas Light” reflects on the quiet, introspective beauty of Christmas, focusing on themes of renewal, solitude, and connection. The poem captures a serene, contemplative moment during the Christmas season. Sarton emphasizes stillness and light, creating an atmosphere of peace and introspection. The “light” in the title symbolizes hope, warmth, and spiritual illumination, often tied to the Christmas season.

 

Sarton often wrote about the complexities of solitude, and this poem is no exception. She portrays solitude not as loneliness but as a space for reflection, renewal, and connection with the divine or the self. Christmas, typically a time of communal celebration, is reimagined here as an opportunity for personal insight and inner peace. The poem explores the idea of Christmas as a moment to pause and take stock of life. The light symbolizes a guiding force or clarity that emerges in this reflective time, offering a sense of renewal and hope for the future.

 

While the poem emphasizes solitude, it also subtly evokes the interconnectedness of human experience. The light of Christmas is a universal symbol that transcends individual experience, linking the solitary reflection to a shared sense of wonder and meaning. Sarton’s “Christmas Light” ultimately invites readers to find meaning in simplicity and stillness, encouraging them to embrace the quiet moments of the season as opportunities for growth and understanding. It’s a gentle reminder of the spiritual and emotional renewal that Christmas offers.

 

 

About the Poet

 

May Sarton (1912–1995) was an acclaimed American poet, novelist, and memoirist known for her deeply introspective and lyrical works. Sarton was born in Wondelgem, Belgium, but her family fled to the United States during World War I. Her father, George Sarton, was a pioneering historian of science, and her mother, Mabel Elwes Sarton, was an artist.

 

Sarton began as a poet, publishing her first collection, Encounter in April, in 1937. Over her lifetime, she published over 50 works, including poetry collections, novels, and memoirs. Much of Sarton’s writing celebrates the creative and restorative aspects of solitude, though she also explores its challenges, particularly in later years.

 

Her works reflect her identity as a lesbian and explore the complexities of romantic and platonic relationships. Sarton was deeply attuned to nature, which often served as inspiration for her poetry and prose. Her later works, particularly her memoirs, provide an unflinching exploration of aging, illness, and mortality.

 

Sarton was open about her identity as a lesbian at a time when it was not widely accepted. She never settled into a long-term partnership but had meaningful relationships that influenced her work. She spent much of her later life in York, Maine, living alone and finding inspiration in her surroundings. 

 

May Sarton is remembered for her emotional honesty, lyrical style, and ability to capture the nuances of inner life. Her works continue to resonate with readers who seek insight into creativity, self-discovery, and the beauty of ordinary life.

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I usually find the “Elf on a Shelf” annoying, though little kids love the whole thing. However, this is my kind of elf on a shelf.

Slept Late

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Finding Hope and Belonging at Christmas

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

—Luke 2:7

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

—Romans 8:38-39

As we approach the Christmas season, it’s easy to get caught up in the lights, gifts, and festivities. While these traditions can bring joy, for many in the LGBTQ+ community, Christmas can be a season of mixed emotions—one of longing and love, but also one of hurt and exclusion. While some are warmly welcomed home, others face rejection, strained family relationships, or the sting of feeling unwelcome in spaces where Christ’s name is worshipped. I have my own issues with my family, and I’ll be completely honest, I am dreading going home next weekend. My family welcomes me back, but there is always tension, partly because of my sexuality and partly because of my liberal politics. I never feel completely welcomed amongst my family.
 
So, while many in the LGBTQ+ might feel excluded from Christian celebrations of Christmas, the truth is that Christmas is for everyone. The message of Jesus’ birth is one of inclusion, radical love, and hope. If you’ve ever felt excluded, take heart—Jesus Himself was born into a world that had no room for Him. Today, let us reflect on how we, as LGBTQ+ people and allies, can find belonging, healing, and purpose during this sacred season.
 
The Christmas story begins with rejection. Luke 2:7 says, “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Jesus, the Savior of the world, was born in a manger, a place reserved for animals, not royalty. Jesus’ life began with exclusion and hardship, and He grew up in a society that often misunderstood Him. When you feel excluded—whether by family, church, or community—remember that Christ understands your pain. He, too, lived on the margins. The beauty of Christmas is that God chose to enter the world in humility. Emmanuel—God with us—means that no matter where you are or how the world treats you, God is with you, fully present in your pain and joy alike.
 
At its core, Christmas is a story of radical love. In Luke 2:10, the angel declared to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” The shepherds were outcasts—rough, overlooked, and considered unworthy by society. Yet they were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth. This reminds us that God’s love and grace are not limited by human prejudices. The same good news proclaimed to the shepherds is for you, no matter what others may say about your identity or worth. The story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12), the wise men from the east, further highlights that Christ’s birth was a global event meant for all nations, all peoples, and all identities. God’s love transcends the boundaries we create, embracing diversity in its fullness.
 
If this season feels heavy, know that you are not alone. Jesus redefined family in Matthew 12:50, saying, “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” If your biological family cannot fully embrace you, lean into your chosen family—those who see you, love you, and walk with you in faith. Create spaces where love and affirmation abound, whether through gatherings with friends, support groups, or faith communities that celebrate your full identity. The world’s rejection can never outweigh God’s acceptance. Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Paul reminds us that nothing—nothing—can separate us from the love of God. Meditate on this truth when you feel unworthy or unwelcome. Psalms 139:14 says, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” We are created in the image of God and deeply loved. Jesus calls us to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Even in times of hardship, you have the power to embody the love of Christ. Volunteer, give, and reach out to others who may be struggling this season. Your light has the power to inspire and heal.
 
The manger scene—simple, messy, and unexpected—is a symbol of God’s open arms. John 14:3 says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” The good news of Christmas is that there is room for all in God’s kingdom. At Christmas, we remember that Jesus came to break down barriers and build a table where everyone has a seat. The barriers that mainstream Christianity has created—against LGBTQ+ people, women, people of color, and others—are human constructs, not divine. God’s table is wide, and God’s love is unconditional. Don’t let anyone convince you that you are anything less than a beloved child of God. This Christmas, claim your place at the manger, knowing that Christ came for you, just as you are.
 
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us remember that this season is for everyone. If you’ve ever felt excluded, take heart—Jesus Himself was born in a stable, surrounded by the forgotten and the overlooked. His birth is a reminder that God’s love reaches into every corner of the world and every heart, no matter how marginalized or broken. So, this Christmas, hold onto the hope that Christ brings. Lean into the love of God, the support of chosen family, and the knowledge that you are wonderfully made in the image of the One who came to save us all.

Pic of the Day

Moment of Zen: Mornings in Bed

Pic of the Day

Tonight’s pic of the day begins my annual 12 Days of Christmas posts. This year, I plan to post for the 12 days before Christmas, like I normally do as a Christmas countdown, but I will also post pics for the actual twelve days of Christmas that fall between Christmas Day and the Epiphany.

Have a joyous Christmas Season, everyone!

Happy Holidays!