We just got back from a Christmas cruise to the Mexican Riveria. "Christmas" was a very absent word however on that ship. On board there were few decorations, a few token garlands, one very small, skinny 4 foot tall tree stuck in a corner, and no "Have a Merry Christmas" from the crew. You'd think we were on a tanker ship.
The reason given was this: "Our ship last year was beautifully decorated with trees, lights, and lots of garland but we got a lot of complaints. So in order to be politcally correct and to avoid what happened last year, we nixed Christmas." There you have it.
But wait a minute. Aren't there a lot of people, and I mean alot of people, who are not believers who go out and buy "Christmas presents" put up "Christmas trees" and enjoy the "Christmas holiday parties" and days off of work? So, why when it's convenient for them to enjoy "Christams" it's okay, but when it's not convenient, they make a stink? Simple. 'tis the season of "it's all about me attitude."
Why not just call "Christmas" a "Winter Festival" and keep the trees, the decorations, and the present giving? That would make a lot of people happy. And for those who are believers, keep "Christmas" for what it is supposed to be: a celebration of a very special birth. We rejoice in His coming then and in His coming again.
'tis the season.....in all things, give thanks.
David
Our mission is to help The Forgotten Children reach their God-given potential by creating opportunities for spiritual, social, mental and emotional development, by ensuring that their physical well being is optimized. David H. Beyda, MD Medical Director, Medical Mercy
- David H. Beyda, M.D.
- Phoenix, Arizona
- I am a pediatric critical care specialist working at Phoenix Children's Hospital. I was the Medical Director and Division Chief of Pediatric Critical Care for 23 years, and stepped down to become Medical Director for Misson of Mercy.I am responsible for the medical care of 40,000 children that Misson of Mercy cares for in 22 countries. I grew up overseas (Africa, Southeast Asia) from the time I was 7 years old until I went to college. My father was a career US diplomat. I started my third world medical involvement when I was 15 years old working with medical groups in Laos, and learned to fly riding with Air America pilots in Laos and have been a pilot for over 30 years. My first formal medical mission as a doctor was in 1979 when I served as director of pediatrics in a refugee camp on the Thailand-Cambodia boarder (Khao I Dang) at the age of 27 years old, still in my pedicatric residency. My heart is in third world countries caring for the Forgotten Children.