This week my three children and I went into a drugstore to pick up our Christmas cards in the photo shop. On the way out, we stopped to purchase a few things at the regular checkout counter.
While waiting in line, our attention focused on the many things on display for sale all around us. There was a box of Christmas ornaments at eye level just to our left. My 14 year-old son Nick spotted them first, and immediately remarked, "THAT's inappropriate."
In the larger display box were smaller boxes containing ornaments of individual characters from a popular television show. The representation of the woman's anatomy and also her outfit were absolutely disgraceful. In fact, they were vulgar.
We had a short discussion about the great dignity of the human person, and how we must do all that we can to preserve our dignity and the dignity of others in an era of tremendous assault against the human person.
Nick was praised for recognizing evil for what it is, and for insisting instead upon what is good.
Then, Nick reached up and picked up the box, TURNED THE ORNAMENT AROUND, and placed it back in the display box. He so valued his dignity, his family's dignity, and the great dignity of shoppers whom he did not even know that would pass by after us, that he turned the box around to place the insulting ornament out of sight.
Nick didn't create this assault against the human person, he didn't profit from it, he didn't encourage it, he didn't enjoy it, and he didn't ignore it. He rejected it, not only for himself, but for the sake of others as well.
Nick has Catholic Courage, and demonstrated authentic Christian love. He lives in imitation of Christ.
Do you?
As we advanced toward the register, Nick delighted us once again by picking up the small box next to it, which contained an ornament with the likeness of a male character on the show, and turned that one around as well.
This Advent, do not support companies that create and sell vulgar products for Christmas. Do not insult our unfathomably loving and merciful Savior. Instead, properly prepare your heart for His coming. Be a living witness to others. Strive to grow in holiness, always loving in greater measure.
Yes, we can do so much better. We should. We must.
Live, love, and serve in imitation of Christ.
Our children deserve a wholesome childhood.
Praise your children for living in imitation of Christ.
Be sure to live that way yourself.
Remember, God is at work in you!
Praise your children for living in imitation of Christ.
Be sure to live that way yourself.
Remember, God is at work in you!
Designed by Nick.