A Very Merry Christmas!

This is a Holiday message. It is meant for anyone who matters in our life and keeps up with us. We do not have the funds, time or energy to do the traditional greeting card routine. Haven’t for several years now. Heck, we don’t even put up a Christmas Tree anymore. I thought this was a terrible thing when my parents did it early in their retirement, but now I understand totally.

Here we are. In the season of hope and possibility. Christmas is here as well as major holy days of other world religions. This season does not belong only to Christians. And perhaps, we should also mention the would-be Christians.

So many of us have been raised in the Christian tradition that includes Easter, Christmas and other significant days on the calendar. We do not all attend church or do so regularly. We do not dwell on the meaning of religion or of specific denominations, either. No, we accept ourselves as Christians without the glamor or duty of being one in the main. That way we can enjoy those holidays that have always held significance in our personal lives. Christmas is one of them.

I am an odd Christian. I believe in God and accept Christ as a prophet provided by God to mankind. I do not believe in Christ’s divinity, however, or that he was the product of a holy, virgin birth. All the rest I accept. Oops, not the Easter resurrection either; I don’t particularly believe in that, but I do accept the emotion, loss and earthshaking reality of Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the celebration of what this means. Without the rising from the dead, of course. My brain would like to believe this but doesn’t.

And that sits well with me. I am a worshipper of God. I care about humankind. I serve others. I believe in many of the shared values of the Christian church.

It is in that spirit that I wish everyone near and dear as well as afar, a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

This is the time of new hope and new life. It is always available to us whether we recognize it or not. We can use the gifts available to us and make the most of life’s potential. It is done best for others. The rewards of such an existence are rich beyond belief. It works for me.

Whether your personal Christmas is December 25th or any other day, just know that hope and new beginnings await each of us each day. Sometimes many times per day.

Live life fully. Catch the happiness of it. And prosper as you give away that which is most dear to you! That is the secret and the promise. Of each and every religion.

We continue to be blessed with much goodness in our lives. See it. Appreciate it. Use it.

December 23, 2021

 

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