At Christmas, let’s celebrate what’s right in the world

It is perhaps the bitterest of ironies that in this supposed time of peace on Earth, we find very little of it.

Peace is certainly not top of mind when considering world affairs. Horrific terrorists attacks are but one sign of widespread international animosity. Nor is peace evident back here on American soil. A brutal presidential election has left America its most divided in decades.

Unfortunately, during this time many of our personal lives don’t even have a nodding acquaintance with peace. The crush of the holiday season adds many tasks to our already-busy schedules, and time just seems to compress. Some might even say it seems to constrict.

While understandable, it is not the way things should be. We offer much the same advice every year, but it bears repeating.

Stop. Take a breath ... then another ... and another. Exhale slowly.

Let this moment be time for reflection as well as a search for proper perspective. Our simple counsel is to take time to celebrate the many things that are right in this world.

For Christians, what is right is that this holiday marks the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which should humble any true believer and prompt focus where it is due.

For those of the Jewish faith Christmas this year roughly coincides with the eight days of Hannukah, which commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Re- volt against the Seleucid Empire.

For most non-Christians, this remains a significant secular holiday, often affording precious time with friends, family and loved ones. Such an opportunity is a special gift worth embracing.

Then there are the selfless actions of those around us. Maybe it’s local food banks that make sure the less fortunate have something to eat, or the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots campaign, which supplies toys to children who would otherwise have little, or the help for the homeless provided by the Salvation Army.

These are but a few of the hundreds of organizations dedicated to serving others and they most assuredly provide us with things that are right in this world.

Yes, Christmas has become far too commercialized, but we remain grateful that the choice of how we choose to celebrate it is ours to make. All the while, we are mindful that our nation still has soldiers in harm’s way around the globe. We are grateful for them and their families.

In the spirit of the season, our sincere wish is for everyone to have a happy and meaningful Christmas holiday. And, that in doing so, there be peace — real peace — with us all. Even if it is only for a little while.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

— Digital First Media

Yes, Christmas has become far too commercialized, but we remain grateful that the choice of howwe choose to celebrate it is ours to make. All the while, we are mindful that our nation still has soldiers in harm’s way around the globe. We are grateful for them and their families.