To the editor:

This year, a stark reality stands in contrast to the warmth and love, goodwill toward all of the Christmas message. We have a president who has mocked a 16-year old girl who has taken a chance and stood up for the climate and our future. We can see a 16-year old boy who has died within custody in detention at our border, denied care for the flu. Thousands of children in detention centers remain separated from their families.

We can read alarming statistics about the dramatic rise in childhood depression, anxiety and suicide.

What gifts can we give this Christmas season that will matter? What is the message from the infant born in a lowly manger? “Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I Cor. 13:13.

The message of Christmas is clear. We are to love one another and no one is too lowly for love.

This holiday season, give the gift of hope to our children. Stand up for what is right and good, for ourselves and all of humanity. Give the gift of courage and give hope to youths who are desperately looking for more to hope and believe in. Take action. Give your voice to a good cause. Be a helper for our world, our planet. Do it for the children. Do it for the child within each one of us and for the child who was born in the manger.

Kelly Wall,

Lawrence