Christmas comes but once a year
To light our life and stir our soul
It brings great joy and peace within
To sing of Christmas all year long
This is a special time of year and one that is especially meaningful for me. I was born in December and enjoy the season a lot. Christmas has always been a special time with all the colored lights, the decorated houses with their Christmas trees all lit up, the snow and the trains my Dad put under the tree each year. Yes, special because it is the time when we celebrate, not only the birth of Christ, but the spirit of giving. To sing all the special song of the season and a time for celebrating life and the birth of all in creation. December 21st is the shortest day of the year (Winter solstice). Winter solstice was celebrated for thousands of year as a “pagan” holiday with music, dancing, and drinking. It was a time to celebrate the fact that each day will become longer as we look forward to spring. Spring, the time of reborn that brings forth its abundance and fills us with hope.
As we look at this time of year, we can’t help thinking about all of the people who have so much and all those who have so little. We all share in this time. We all think about family, friends and giving. We give to those who are in need, and we give to each other as an expression of love that says “you’re special to me”. As you think about this time, I hope you will think about all the people in your life now and all those who were part of your life in time past. Send each one a special blessing and a prayer of love for the New Year.
