MAY THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT LIVE FOREVER

It’s that time of year again — December, the coldest month of the year and the one that carries with it the warmth and joy of Christmas. But what is the true meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts stacked neatly under the tree, the bright lights decking your homes, the greeting cards in the mail, dinners and parties with family and friends, the chill in the air, stockings hanging by the fireplace and singing of Christmas carols? Is this really Christmas?

Etymologically, the word “Christmas” is a combination of two words “Christ,” a title given to Jesus, and “mass” that means celebration. In essence, Christmas simply is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. God sent his son, Jesus, into the world to be born. John (3:16-17) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this divine act of love. My dear readers, I hope that, regardless of your religion or faith, you bring in the Christmas spirit into your lives. Be generous; donate your time or money to those who are not so privileged.

The angels who appeared before the shepherds the night Jesus was born left them with this promise: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Let the love of God prevail in your hearts this Christmas season and let his love and peace flow through you to all the people in the world. Merry Christmas!