My two sons and I climbed the three little stairs into the house, adorned with a hand-drawn depiction of itself with the words "Home Sweet Home." Others that day followed suit. They had come to Faith Community Church in Bayville for Destiny's Bridge's "Hope for the Holidays" fundraiser despite inclement weather, and they had seen the tiny home up close. It had taken a good deal of effort and patience to get it to our event after one of the wheels on the home went flat and needed to be replaced. And so we appreciated its presence even more.
It is the pinnacle of our vision to help the homeless, supporting the notion of everyone, no matter their income, having a home of their own, because housing ought to be a right and not merely a privilege. That tiny home, however, does not have a home of its own at this time.
That morning, our area experienced the first winter storm of the season: a light snowfall mixed with frozen rain. It didn't pose much more than inconvenience for the average person, but for those living in tents, it required some diligence; the sheer weight of the precipitation could cause a tent to collapse.
Fast-forward to Christmas Day, when my sons and I delivered a feast to the Howell encampment that several of my friends call home. The little tree in the center of camp was lit and beautifully decorated; the donation tables were loaded with cups of soup, coffee, and packaged salads from earlier in the day. We all gathered in the chapel as the sun set; we ate, drank, talked and laughed. Their genuine gratitude paired with their interconnection - their reliance on one another as friends and neighbors - made us feel welcome. They reminded us that the greatest gift one can receive is presence.
It brought to mind thoughts of not only the true meaning of the holiday, but also the months ahead. When I consider my friends who live in tents, hearing others talk about the so-called "war on Christmas" gives me pause. I hear this often from well-meaning but misguided, along with phrases like "keep Christ in Christmas."
My thoughts? Perhaps the first step ought to be keep Christ in Christian, as opposed to Christmas. Christmas is one day a year, while being Christian is a lifelong commitment. Many, unfortunately, wish to wear the badge of Christianity without really knowing or understanding what it means to follow Christ.
It's hard for me to imagine that while they balk at the design of a paper coffee cup, or refuse to utter the phrase "happy holidays" because it somehow invalidates their own religious beliefs, they celebrate the birth and divinity of someone who came into this world as a refugee and lived his life as a homeless man. A man who healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and fought for the rights of the poor and downtrodden. A man who was seen as a troublemaker by those who desired wealth and power.
After the trees and lights are taken down, after the songs of peace on earth and goodwill to men are relegated to silence, what exactly are Christians doing to ease the burden of the poor of their community who have resigned themselves to living in a tent?
Are they fighting to ensure that all people have a safe, secure place to call home? Are they speaking out against unfair zoning laws that discourage tiny homes, or against corporate greed that prevents workers from receiving a living wage? Are they reminding their government officials that every human being, despite their circumstances, deserves to have their basic needs met? Are they, as the saying goes, living simply so others can simply live?
Do they think throwing change into a beggar's cup while they hurry to pick up the newest iPhone is enough to fulfill their Christian duty?
Standing inside that empty house with my kids, I already knew the answer. It's not. It's definitely NOT enough.
If you're willing to fight for religious principles but not for justice and equality, then you've got Christianity all wrong. Jesus instructed. He healed. He lived a simple life, devoid of the extraneous and the wanton. His "religion," was love for His fellow man.
With Christmas behind us and the promise of a new year just ahead, perhaps we can hold these ideals in our hearts, thus keeping Christ in our Christianity. And as you celebrate surrounded by friends and loved ones, do not forget to keep in mind those who spend this holiday season in isolation.
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