EDITOR’S NOTE |
MARY DOWNER DITCH • EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF POV
GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY "Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about," said Linus. "Lights, please."
Each year that passes, though, I feel he understands a little bit more about why we truly celebrate Christmas.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
In this year’s Holiday Issue, we are extremely excited to bring you our 2nd annual Home for the Holidays feature section. We also share two heartwarming stories of new technology in the NICU and a group bringing faith to Houma’s youth.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Our 2nd annual Home for the Holidays feature section welcomes you into the homes of four local families. They share with you their decorating styles and gorgeous images of their homes, all ready for the holiday season. We thank these four families for welcoming us into their homes during the holidays.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." We always hear people talking about the “true meaning of Christmas.” Our family believes in celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas. To me, there is just something beautiful about reading the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The beautiful miracle of the immaculate birth of our Savior often brings a tear to my eye. I love going to Christmas Vigil Mass with our family on Christmas Eve. We are parishioners at St. Francis De Sales in Houma and typically go to the 6 p.m. service. As the Advent season comes to a close, we prepare for a season of rejoicing. We prepare to accept the greatest gift of all, God’s only son, Jesus. It’s hard to teach children about the real meaning of Christmas. I’ll admit, it’s easy to just get caught up in Santa and elves. Nearly every adult we encounter during the month of December asks Jackson what Santa is bringing him this year. Don’t get me wrong; we are at fault there too. Santa has been very generous at our home over the last few years. And with Jackson’s birthday falling in December as well, it’s often a never ending present-fest!
Childbirth can be an exciting and scary thing. The fear of the unknown is enough to give the strongest one among us cause to pause. Giving birth during the time of Covid has placed new fears into new parents, especially those whose infant must stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. TGMC has introduced NICVIEW 2 Live Video Streaming Camera Systems, a 24/7 livestream that allows parents and extended family members to view their loved ones from anywhere. While seemingly small, the ability to see your child at any time has brought comfort to many local families since its purchase. Learn more about NICVIEW starting on page 28. Since its arrival to the community four years ago, Houma’s chapter of Young Life – an international Christian ministry dedicated to helping adolescents grow in their faith – has operated with one primary focus in mind: meeting young people where they are. Young Life recently welcomed a new director to Houma, who has jump-started the group’s efforts in the area. Share in the light and love starting on page 38. Take some time this month to find your reason for the season, and rejoice in it! Merry Christmas! POV
December 2020 6 povhouma.com
