Our Spiritual Health: Christmas – a time for reflection

Christmas is a cheerful holiday where caring and generosity prevail, and the love of the many overcomes the hate of the few. Christmas is a time for renewing our spirit, enthusiasm and merriment while giving thought to those less fortunate than we. Christmas is also the perfect time to send good wishes and share important milestones and cherished memories with our family and friends.  I love to reminisce on Christmas past, when the trees were clothed with snow and the country roads fluffed with velvet white. The haunting woods echoed the wintry air as I warmed myself by the blazing logs in the fireplace, and that old, old magic brought on the true meaning of Christmas that there is no CHRISTmas without Christ.  It brought together the young and the old with giggles, hugs, “oohs” and “aahs” at the concept of wonderful happenings on those starry, cold nights, opening gateways in the bonds of truest friendship.  Then there was the warmth of stories retold, and sweet voices singing carols of praise as the town church bells chimed. The stars adorned the evening sky, and the moon’s pure rays rekindled our hope of Messiah’s birth. Strange, yet lovely, was the Magi’s tale that followed this unusual light twinkling on a silvery stem. Through the frosty night shone the light – the Light of the world entered and brought with him love, hope, forgiveness, faith, and mirth. How our hearts were warmed, and with gratefulness I turn the key that holds the past when, “…peace and goodwill towards men” were not just empty words.  I know that Christmas was borrowed from a pagan ritual that Christ was not born on December 25th, but the caring, sharing and giving spirit that prevails during the holiday season kindles hope, comfort and love to millions. I am so thankful to Almighty God who gave us a gift, not wrapped in brightly colored paper, but wrapped in swaddling clothes, surrounded not by the elite, but by humble Shepherds who welcomed our Savior on that silent night. With the passing of time, people have changed, and with it the world has changed. Peace, love, hope, and goodwill to fellowman is almost become a dream. The days are short, the nights are long, the skies bleak and dreary, but through it the Bright and Morning Star will shine triumphant at last. He will dispel our fears; dry our tears, and our hearts will once again be able to rejoice. With fervent and uplifted voices we shall sing, “Joy to the world, our Savior is come, let earth receive her King.”   Happy Holidays!