Merry Christmas

First Day persons (those who have never contemplated suicide) may be struck by the many different and conflicting thoughts and feelings in the same Bible. The diversity of experiences found within the Scripture should save us from a rush to judgment regarding the topic of suicide. At the very least it should evoke compassion and mercy rather than condemnation.
Both First Day and Second Day persons seek a spiritual path which will bring healing into the life of persons dwelling in the Night of suicidal thinking, and hopefully prevent their deaths. Where is the “balm of Gilead?” Christian theology typically locates the death of Jesus as the locus of salvation. For those trying to make their way out of the Night and into a Second Day, the death of Jesus may not be the aspect of his life that is the most compelling. It is well known in the suicide prevention community that an indiscriminant celebration of a person’s life after their suicide invites a contagion of similar behavior among those who are already thinking about killing themselves. Focusing on the death of Jesus as a path to a better life beyond death has not proven protective for many people in the Night of suicidal thinking.
Many Second Day people have found it helpful to focus on a different point of the Gospel narrative, namely, the entry of Jesus into the world. “The people that walked in the Darkness have seen a great light,” is the promise of the prophet Isaiah, fulfilled in the Gospel of Luke. What is this Light, romanced in story and symbolized by Epiphany’s star? It is the revelation of a fundamental life-altering truth: The fullness of God’s love cannot be expressed by words alone. To fully experience “God-with-us” requires a human, flesh and blood person. This ideal was brought to life in Jesus of Nazareth who went about delivering people from every form of darkness. His ministry of “God-with-us” continues to be expressed by human beings who are now referred to as “his Body”. When you care enough to send the very best, you don’t send a card! You send a person!
It is clear from the research that being a part of a spiritual community can be a protective factor for many who are thinking about killing themselves. It is equally clear that it is not the particular belief system that is protective. It is the presence of the community itself. Our creedal statements and doctrines have little power to save a person in the Night from falling into eternity. But our presence as a sacramental expression of the love of God can be decisive! When we understand that we are God’s hands, every encounter is potentially life-saving. When this attitude is carried in the soul of a community, hospitality is elevated from the status of “friendliness” to the “touch of life”. We offer God’s love as a holy “wonder”: “I wonder if my presence is saving your life today?” You never know.
I would argue that Christmas should be claimed by people of the Second Day. (The belief that December has the highest suicide rate is simply another in a long list of myths. That dubious distinction belongs to April.) What a wonderful time to give to one another the present of your presence by renewing this pledge: “As far as it is in our power, you will never be alone and you will never lose hope. Stay with us. We would not be the same without you.” This simple renewal would rescue the holiday season from the trite commercialism that everyone knows is hollow. It would potentially save thousands of lives and millions of injuries. Can you think of a better Christmas?