Joe Gentry

“Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue

Wrap your presents to your darling from you

Pretty pencils to write “I love you”

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue

Crowded street, busy feet hustle by him

Downtown shoppers, Christmas is nigh

There he sits all alone on the sidewalk

Hoping that you won’t pass him by

Should you stop? Better not, much too busy

You’re in a hurry, my how time does fly

In the distance the ringing of laughter

And in the midst of the laughter, he cries

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue

Wrap your presents to your darling from you

Pretty pencils to write “I love you”

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue”

When I finally took the time to listen to the words of this beautiful Christmas ballad, it made me wonder what Willie Nelson was thinking when he wrote this song. Sandwiched in the middle verses of this lovely song, songwriter Nelson hits us with ambivalent Christmas feelings. We concentrate on those we love and have a tendency to walk on by those in need. Hearing this song on the radio (superbly sung by Roy Orbison) it struck me and forced me to think about my Christmas focus.

Am I in too big of a hurry? Would I pass him by? At the present time there are lots of “him” sitting on the sidewalk – folks affected by the temporary government shutdown, uncertainty of SNAP & WIC benefits and new rules governing who is covered, higher prices for many needed items – food, shelter, medicine, and fuel, the local effects of the fire at the Friendship Room and the growing population of homeless individuals and families in our community. There is need all around us and “he sits on the sidewalk hoping you won’t pass him by.”

In the movie ‘It’s A Wonderful Life” there is a scene where George Bailey and his wife present the Martini family three gifts as they move into their new home – “Bread that this house may never know hunger; salt, that life may always have flavor; and wine, that joy and prosperity may reign forever.” We can start by helping those who hunger, whether the hunger is for food or fellowship. Every food pantry needs support with food donations and financial support. The number one issue in many nursing homes and assisted living facilities is loneliness. A little time spent goes a long way to alleviate loneliness.

Salt can add flavor and we can do the same by making a difference in one person’s day. Many human service organizations such as the Senior Center, Boys and Girls Club, My Michigan, etc., need volunteers. Service Clubs like the Lions, Kiwanis, Exchange, Rotary, etc. are looking for new members and volunteers. Volunteers make a difference in a person’s life.

Most of all joy is what we are most missing from our communal life today. I have had the distinct pleasure to watch as 84 organizations and individuals (numbering more than hundreds of donors) spread Christmas joy by participating in the Christmas Wish List program. The generosity of our community is overwhelming and 395 youth will experience a bit of Christmas Joy because these donors did not pass them by. The United Way is honored to be able to continue this annual program that began by Vernie Nethercut through the Alpena Volunteer Center at Alpena Community College. It is awe-inspiring to experience our community’s generosity but it is sad to see the extent of the need for basic items being requested. Thank you to all of you that were not in too big of a hurry, stopping and not passing “him” by. You are truly bringing hope and joy to many families. Merry Christmas!