Friday, December 21, 2007

Christmas Reflection

Since people are beginning to travel and move around for the holidays, I would like to take a moment and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope everyone has family or friends that they will spend the following days with, I also hope you will be surrounded with laughter, funny stories and of course great food. I don't usually get caught up in the frenzy of spending and rushing around like most people. I believe and so does my family that it is about getting together, having a good meal and opening a few gifts. Just small things like sweaters, a book or Cd's. Of course there is mass the night before and I really do love the story of the poor family that had a baby in a manger that went on to change the world.

Some days I feel that I have lost my faith, while other days I feel it is silly not to believe. I do know this however, whether I am Christian, agnostic or become atheist, I will always take part in Christmas. That is not because it is just a fun thing to do, but also to honour that baby born long ago. You have to admit whether you believe he was the son of God, a prophet or just a really good and wise man, he has helped shape the world and shaped it into a much better place. Keep in mind that there is a difference between Jesus and religion. The concept that we are all equal was pretty much unknown at that time and human life was often worth nothing. He sowed the seeds into society that we matter, that everyone of us matters from the poorest person to the richest. That our lives are of equal value because they hold other riches that can not be measured in currency. Even today I believe the values he taught of equality, caring for one another and not hating your enemy are what gave us our freedoms. You only have to look at a non Christian country to see that equality is not a priority. I don't want to turn this into a religious post because I am not a preacher, however when you are celebrating Christmas, I hope you will take a minute to stop and think, because in a world where money, power and fame seem to be the measure of a person, no one has ever had as much of an effect on society today as that little boy born poor, in a manger. Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth.

14 comments:

Steve said...

I wish you exactly the same. I agree with your point; there is a very large difference between Jesus (I believe he was just a very good man that inspired a lot of people), god or gods , religions , and the organizations and organisators of religions (church , priests etc). I also celebrate Christmas, but as I am an atheist, I actually celebrate the ancient winterfest of light, that brought us the lighted tree and basically hope for a better, brighter and sunnier future.

Wayne said...

And Merry Christmas to you too Steven!

Birdie said...

Thank you for your thoughtful posts; they are gifts to all who read them. (I've been reading for a few weeks now, linking from Cooper.)

All are equal in God's eyes. And the birth of this child gave us a way to find forgiveness, mercy and love, in him and each other. May you find all you need in this season of love.

Birdie

Bill said...

I hope everyone has a wonderful time during the last days of this year.

I believe peace, hope, serenity, and good will toward all exists inside each one of us. Sometimes the clutter of the world covers it up, so keep digging and you will find it!

David said...

If you end up seeing a Power Point presentation, just get up and leave.

don said...

A very thoughtful and insightful post.

Peace to you brother.

K said...

:::HUGS::::

Merry Christmas buddy!

And I loved the card!

W said...

Merry Christmas. Enjoy the snow and the rain!

Justin said...

You are a wonderful person Steven, thank you for the post. Merry Christmas to you and your family and firends. "Unto us a child IS born, that all men rich, poor, jew, and gentile may come to see the face of God. Blessings to you.

Sooo-this-is-me said...

Steve, I hope you enjoy yourself how ever you celebrate Christmas.

Wayne, thanks and Merry Christmas to you! Did you eat all the cookies yet? :)

Birdie, hey welcome to my blog! I have seen you around blog-land. Thank you for the good wishes and I hope the same for you.

Bill, I think you are right, we get distracted with fast paced life. Merry Christmas buddy!

David, hahaha! Its a deal, I will be out of there faster than you can say "where is Ste..."

Don thanks, peace back to you, plus I hope Santa brings you a new bike! ;)

K, hugs and Merry Christmas back buddy! Actually if you recieved an ecard then that probably came from Steven "Human Nature" in Ontario. Sometimes people mix us up, he is better looking than I am but no where near as nice or funny as me! ;)

Erik, Merry Christmas back! Actually the rain was not bad here and it was nice to get a break from the cold.

Justin, thank you for the very kind words! You know I wish all the same to you and your family, Merry Christmas!

Steve said...

God bless. Merry Christmas, enjoy the time of the year. I reflect your sentiment, this time is about family pulling together and the beauty of the simplicity of it all.

Have a wonderful Christmas, and may the Lord bless you and yours.

Sooo-this-is-me said...

Thank you Steve! Hey another Steve from Ontario, we should make up a Christmas song about that, you know "We three Steve's from Ontario are", get it, anyone? Any way you have a good Christmas also Steve. Did you like Dave's hair cut? ;)

Steven said...

Have yourself a wonderful Christmas with your family, Steven!

Sooo-this-is-me said...

Thanks Steven I did! Hmmm, too many Stevens here! ;)