On this Christmas Eve people will gather in churches to celebrate and re-enact the birth of Jesus, the Christ Child, the Holy One. It is a glorious day and one that many people say is one of their favorite days of the year. Though it is a busy day for me, it is also a favorite, for on this day we once again remember hope and let it shine in our eyes and in the ways we greet one another.

"Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world-stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death-and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of Eternal Love? Then you can keep Christmas. And if you can keep it for a day, why not always" from The Spirit of Christmas by Henry Van Dyke

Indeed, why not? Perhaps this will be the year when Christmas is everyday. We can hope…..and pray.
May you be surrounded by those you love and who love you in return and may the Spirit of Christmas rest among you this day and everyday.

Merry Christmas………………………..

***I will be traveling over the next several days and will write when there is Internet access.