Posts Tagged jesus

`Tis the Season.

A Personal note for the Christmas Season…

I love the holiday season. But as of late, I seem to have to put more of an effort into getting myself into the “Christmas Spirit” then I used too. I seem to remember a time when everyone was happier and friendlier. Family and friends exchanged greetings and gifts of joy and happiness and shared a meal together with the occasional bottle of festivities. Oh, what a great time that was! …`Tis the season of joy!

But like it was then, today, not so much. Today, in the down economy and unrest in the world, with people struggling to put food on their tables and keep a roof over their heads, clothe themselves and their family, what do people have to be happy for? There is nothing but bad news on the television. People are at odds with each other. In general, people are too busy and solemn in spirit. The “Me Generation” seems to take the majority hold of our youth’s these days. You can see what is happening right before your eyes with today’s young people not believing in God and their country, not all, but it is very noticeable to me from the days of my childhood. It is so easy to become pessimistic and depressed to see what the next generation’s values and morals are consisting of. I would have lost hope if not for my faith and some very wonderful people I know for reassurance. For without them, I would probably have just given up. …`Tis the Season for Hope and Reassurance!

Personally, my grandparents have passed away (which were the glue that held our family together) and my parents are getting up in age with health issues. My siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins are not that close anymore or have drifted apart over time. Also relatives are passing away more readily it seems with us all aging faster and faster. But I stop and think, and make myself see things in a different light, that they who have passed away have also been given the greatest gift of all – God, through the Mercy of his Son, Jesus Christ has given them and the souls who have gone before them the ultimate gift of eternity in Heaven…`Tis the Season of Faith!

Has political correctness killed the holiday season completely? Seems we have surrendered the things in life that we hold dearest… God forbid, don’t say Merry Christmas anymore or bring the name of God or Jesus Christ up any where but your place of worship. Don’t let children pray in school! Someone might become offended! Resentment is replacing goodwill…`Tis the Season for Goodwill towards Man.

Is it so out of the question for people to show some tolerance when it comes to what they believe the holidays are for? I would not take offense by someone coming up to me, wishing me a Happy Chanukah (Hanukkah), Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, or what ever it may be. I am a Christian (Catholic) and I celebrate the birth of my savior, Jesus Christ on December 25th. So, if I say Merry Christmas to you, I am not attacking your religion so please don’t be offended by my personal beliefs. If you would like to put up a religious symbol to represent your religion in your city, please do, but don’t make me take down my nativity scene, Santa Claus, or Christmas tree! This country was founded on Christian values by the way. If you happen to be atheist…well, that is a story of its own. I would not suggest in any way to judge you, I pray for you! There is a higher authority that will judge in the end, and I don’t mean Bill Maher. Sorry, I will even try and pray for him too… `Tis the Season for Compassion!

What I would really like get across to you good people is to appreciate what you have, the people you love and love you back, and those who give you support when you are in need. Slow down, don’t stress out about your work, and give to those who need. Take some extra time to spend with loved ones; your work can wait. Mentor someone. Say something kind to a stranger. We are all children of God; He blesses us with His gifts through out the year…`Tis the Season for Giving.

I most certainly am not close to being perfect but I will try to keep the “Christmas Spirit” within me during the holiday season and throughout the entire year.

I wish you all God’s blessings for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!