As the hours run down to the greatly anticipated moment that we celibate Christmas, I want to extend this greeting to each of you.
Some may not believe in the reason for which Christmas was established. And I would not damper your annual celebration. While it would be my heart felt desire that you would, the fact of if you do or you do not doesn't diminish the spirit of this yuletide season. All of us can and should experience the peace, hope, joy and love that this holiday is intended to convey. Regardless of your belief system or the lack thereof.
Tomorrow, December 25th is Christmas day as you are well aware. Christians like myself focus on the central cause for the the establishment of this holiday; the fact that God over 2,000 years ago fulfilled a promise he made to the world though his people the Jews. The emperor Constantine established this day as the celebration of the the birth of Jesus. Now unless you believe and have faith in this wonderful gift this event may appear as some ancient folklore that is surrounded by a pleasant story about a baby in a manger.
But to the Christians of this world it means much much more. It is the single most important event in the history of mankind, because this event was the revelation of God to man in human form. This Jesus making a way for all who would accept the gift his life and sacrifice provides.
But now to all of us, the believer and the non-believer it represents a point in time when we can revel in the spirit of the season regardless of our faith or lack thereof. We can revel in the:
- Peace - of the season. A point at which you and others about you can and should pause and consider what good exists and how to convey good to each other around us.
Hope - That that hostility toward others is arrested and the future path ahead can be inspired and improved by that which we have come to understand.
Joy - That though our troubles at time are great and the outlook appears less than positive, we have so much more than many others.
Love - Family, friends (yes even those casual friends we find in game) that add to our riches. Not in a financial way but in a way that money can't even approach.
This is the time for these things regardless of your beliefs and it is my sincere wish that you wil embrace all of these things tomorrow and throughout the coming year.
Blessings and glad tidings to all,
And most of all a very Merry Christmas!
Kaw...