For all the Catholics and Christians, I wish you a Merry Christmas. For our Jewish friends, I hope you have a Happy Hanukkah that starts at sun down. For many, Christmas is a secular holiday that is focused solely on the materialistic aspect of the time of year.
I am not going to downplay the gift exchange aspect of the holidays. The exchange of gifts is more than transactional, but a reflection of how important another person is to the giver of the gift. Many times we do not always show appreciation for those in our lives that we rely on and this is a time to do just that.
For those of us that also celebrate the religious aspect of the holiday, the time period also serves as a transition to the next church year and should help not only spread the love that we are expected to show. But to also strengthen our faith.
There are always many people that you only see once or twice a year taking up spots. Sometimes these people stick around more. Sometimes they are just there for show or the social aspect of attending a church event. Either way, hopefully people can use this exposure to really work on their faith and becoming a better version of themselves.
Welcome.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays! The holiday season is a time for reflection of the love we have for those we hold dear. Appreciation for those who are no longer with us.
The hope is that we can extend the sentiments we have during this time of year throughout the other 364 days. Extend the concern for others, charity, and goodwill. But, once the year turns, we tend to go right back to our normal routines.
The world would be a much better place if people can treat others respectfully and compassionately. All of us and tthe people who take up spots in church once or twice a year need to take up the challenge to be better.
We need it dearly.