Thoughts on the "Holidays" and Christmas

It may be my old fashioned perspective, my love of history and tradition, maybe and most probably my faith but I have grown up with Christmas. As a child it was a time for Santa Claus, presents and being off from school. Then later, the presents were not as important and Santa lost his luster but the joy of the season and a few days off were important. Once I had children, Santa reappeared in the eyes and giggles and belly laughs the boys enjoyed as they opened the gifts. That was priceless. Yes, I was truly in the Holiday spirit.

But as I have "matured", I realized that there are only so many things you need or want. Learning about the reason for the holiday and really attempting to understand has changed my mind. As a Christian and a Catholic, the season brings a new joy, a new found perspective.

We are all human with the various strengths and weaknesses. One weakness which seems to be growing is that of lack of appreciation for the blessings we have and a lack of belief in God. In these secular times, it is naive to show or demonstrate faith. Of course, political correctness, thought control, doesn't want to offend any one, except people of Faith in Christ. It is more appropriate to take credit for what "we" have accomplished, of who "we" are.

I can only look around me and see that there is something far greater than I at work here. We are blessed to be in the here and now. These are truly great times in which we live and while the work of humans accomplished much, it is from God's blessings that we have attained what we have and it is appropriate for us to acknowledge this.

My faith teaches that " 'THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH. YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29~31

These two rules may seem trite in these modern times but they give comfort and guidance to us in these complicated and sophisticated times. Our faith philosophy can be synthesized into these two concepts. Love God and Love one another. What other guidance do we need to develop our relationships with one another?

Personally I have witnessed the power, love and joy of following these principals which have been ingrained in Christian and Catholic Faith.

Christmas is the time for new beginnings. It is the time God so showed His love for us that He became man. Why did He become man other than to show us the way to true happiness and joy? Our salvation starts on Christmas.

So I say to you; "MERRY CHRISTMAS"