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| 'Twas the night before Christmas . . . (Credit/Bergeron Image.) |
The celebration of Christmas which began as a practice by
early Christians in memory of the birth of Jesus has become a tradition
observed throughout most of the world, even in those nations where Christians
are but a minority and still persecuted.
Yet nothing will dampen the magnificent spirit of this time,
regardless of whether people stress its religious or secular aspects – or both.
It is an occasion where families and friends gather to demonstrate
their love and concern for one another with the exchange of gifts and the
breaking of bread.
Despite the endemic conflicts of this world, the American
spirit remains steadfastly indomitable in its refusal to give in to nihilism, a way of
thinking that can only contribute to a downward slope of despair. That concept
has never taken firm root in the American Republic.
The religious festivals of Chanukah and Christmas observed this
time of the year contain messages based upon spreading light throughout the
world, not with dwelling upon the darkness of hopelessness.
If, over the millennia, the Judeo-Christian message of hope
has spilled over and infused itself into the secular world to be enjoyed by all
in the form of gift-giving, lights, joy, optimism, and hope, that’s just
fine.
It’s a great result, isn’t it?
(Note: The photograph above is from a Williams Sonoma
window display at the Bridgewater Commons Mall.)
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