Christmas of meeting

A few days before the holidays we stopped to look at the Christmas tree that – like every year – we had decorated at the entrance to the Arsenale dell'Incontro.

Apparently it is a tree like many others, it has nothing special, but as we looked at it many faces and many stories passed through our eyes and hearts, many thanks to say, many people to entrust…

First of all, the faces and smiles of many children who, entering the Arsenale in recent weeks, rushed to look at it and posed to be photographed in front of the tree by their parents... Christmas of the Encounter.

Then the good look of a gentleman from Amman who a few years ago, after visiting us, had called us and said: «Today I bought Christmas trees for my company and for my home, the most beautiful I could find , I bought one for you too, because I want your children to be able to enjoy it as much as I enjoyed meeting them. Can you come and get him?"

And still two twins who helped us make the tree this year; one of the two when he saw the boxes of decorations told us enthusiastically: «How nice, let's make a tree!! You know, this year we can't have a tree at our house because we had a death in the family, I'm too happy that we're doing it here!!” ... Christmas for those children for whom this year is a little less Christmas.

Some of the hanging decorations were handmade: we prepared them with our children and teenagers in the art workshop, seeing them shine on the branches is looking at their faces, entrusting their lives, asking that we always know how to find the best way to welcome them and help them grow …

Then our gaze went to the only blue decoration in the midst of many red and gold decorations ... and the thought went to one of our young volunteers, who is now abroad for work.

A few years ago he had arrived with a box full of decorations and he told us: «These are from the Christmas tree in my house; we haven't done a tree since my dad went to heaven, but we had kept them. My family and I decided to bring them to you, because this is a bit like a second home for us and we are pleased that we can use them here». With this boy we also remember the other volunteers who have passed through here and are now scattered around the world (Canada, Australia, Japan, United States, Iraq, Emirates, Germany, Hungary ...) and their families. And a thank you for the Arsenale in Cielo arises spontaneously, which as always watches over us and the life of this house.

How much gratitude, how many lives ... our "living crib" that lasts all year, with that tree that always arouses in us the same desire: knowing how to thank and remember every day the good received.

Arsenale dell'Incontro

NP Gennaio 2023