Christmas is perhaps the happiest and most serene time of the year for most Americans. In this time of “Peace on Earth, good will toward men” even the Viet Cong are caught up in the spirit of a Christmas truce.
The joy is justifiable and good. But it may be well to remember that while millions all over the world are celebrating, it will be just another hungry day for millions in India.
At the same time children will be rising to find their wonderful toys, Biafran children with bloated stomachs will roll back over and go to sleep—forever.
And here in America, Appalachian children and slum children will have to be told it is Christmas. There will be no proof.
Do not detract from your own joy, but please do remember that on that first Christmas, very rich men sought out a child born in a barn and sleeping in a feeding trough.
Be joyful, but remember the greatest act of Christmas time, the act of those men and, more importantly, the acts of that small poverty stricken child. They gave, gave of themselves, shared.
—Larry Forgy