I love the quiet simplicity of my Christmas tree lights. Looking at them, as they shine on the ornaments that have been around for a long time, gives me a peaceful feeling.
This season that should be so filled with peace and love, often times is not. Many people are hurting, sorrowing for loved ones who are no longer with them; some are worried about how to pay their bills, some are concerned for the hatred that exists where there should be love, or at least, respect.
I realize that we have strongly held political beliefs and that’s fine but I shudder at the vileness of verbal attacks against those with opposing opinions. Calling someone stupid because he doesn’t agree shows a narrowness in thinking. Comparing an opponent to an animal is pretty childish. Words are dangerous. They can be used to murder someone’s reputation or dignity as surely as an any weapon. And, punctuating beliefs with profanity is pompous, inane, and shows a distinctly limited vocabularyIn the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem:
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”
Beneath all the sorrow and guilt and hatred, longings, and tears, the candle of hope burns on. Christ is born. He did not hate and He got His point across without cursing and threatening and violence. Let’s remember that we are all frail humans, trying to find our way, doing what, to our own way of thinking, is the right thing. Listening to the message of Christmas does wonders to quiet the human heart.
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