So, the holidays…I have a few words to say on that. And I hardly know where to start. How about with some of the things that are said around the holidays. There’s a good place to start. Around Christmas, we all sing joyful carols and say “peace on the earth” and “good will to men”, but let me ask you this, do we really mean them? Or do we say these things because it’s taboo? I think it’s because it’s taboo that these are said. I’m sure there are a few genuine people who mean these things, but come on! It’s printed on cards and is the theme of countless Christmas carols, it’s become taboo! We all become a bunch of conformists! I was once told of an instance during World War I when a Christmas carol meant something. The situation was that English soldiers and German Soldiers were on opposite sides of a battlefield on Christmas night, and although it wasn’t okay to let the enemy know where you were, the English began to sing the classic carol “Silent Night”, and then the Germans would respond with the next line. Eventually they met, and though there was a battle the next day, they gave meaning to the phrases “peace on Earth” and “good will to men”. This of course is not taught in schools. But it is best told by John McDermott in his song “Christmas in the trenches.” However, it was called “The Wondrous Truce.” Now I’m not saying every one who says all these things is a fake, but I had to pose the question. I think that if any one who can best put meaning to those phrases its soldiers who are and were in battle who one day had and do hope for peace so they can go home to their families, who also add to the true meaning of those phrases. Now I’m not saying that we’re all frauds! Not by a long shot.
Another thing about the holidays that gets me is the fact that people worry too much about gifts! I mean, seriously, it’s not about who has the latest gadget or gizmo! It’s about the spirit of giving! It’s about family; it’s about the birth of a Savior! Even though the whole world many not believe it, we all at least take part in the spirit of giving. But I wonder, why are there in only a few people who carry that with them all year round!?! Does Christmas cast a spell on every human being to suddenly give to people and, especially those in need?!? I mean this just ticks me off! I wonder, WHY can’t that same spirit stay all year ‘round?!? Why can’t be just as friendly, courteous, and loving towards each other all year?!? I’m not saying don’t take care of yourself, that’s not selfish. I’m saying, reach out a little more. I’ve been in malls around holiday time, and I see social behavior that makes me want to give people the bird, but as you know that wouldn’t help anything. For instance, my mom dropped a bag of popcorn and some guy walked by, said “nice”, and just kept on walking! Other people just walked right by and/ or right through the mess of cheddar popcorn. Also, people in malls can be just rude! The just push by as if their mission is more important that anybody else’s.
And another thing…all the commercialism! That just takes the cake. Does any body today know what Santa was supposed to represent?!? Most kids just think he’s this guy who has a sleigh pulled by reindeer who gives them presents.  But he in fact represents the spirit of giving. Kids just think life is get, get, get! How about giving! Where did it all go? Oh, I know, GONE! Along with Santa, I want to touch on all the Nativity sets we see around. I ask, do people know what they mean?!? The Story of Jesus is the ultimate story of giving. God, the creator of this universe, gave us his one and only son so that we as imperfect humans could have the one thing that we cannot achieve or selves: Salvation. So, I ask what are the holidays to you?