by Hugh Brown
Perhaps the most challenging Christmas in prison was the first one. I had only been incarcerated four months so my adjustment to this environment was far from being completed. The only gift I wanted for Christmas that year was to be home. Well, there was something else I wanted, but I couldn’t turn back the hands of time to undo the hurt I’d caused. As the years have passed, Christmas away from family and friends has a new meaning. Yes, I’m physically separated from my biological family; however, I’ve been blessed to enjoy the true spirit of Christmas with the men around me – my extended family.
Christmas has become very commercial. However, living in this confined environment has kept me away from the hustle and bustle of shopping for that “just right” gift. Instead, Christmas in prison allows me to enjoy the day for what it is – a time to remember the greatest gift of all time, Jesus. Sure there’s a special Christmas meal, movies to watch on television, and a worship service in honor of the King of kings.
Be that as it may, what’s important to remember is Jesus came with each of us specifically on His mind. Our salvation was, is, and always will be foremost on His mind. He came to set the captive free and whom the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36). Although my Christmas is in prison, I am certainly not forgotten by the One who this day is dedicated to. Neither are you. – HJB
Prison Lectionary 