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The Christmas season is over now. Trees are being taken down, lights are being put away, and old wrapping paper is being thrown out in the trash. A new year looms ahead with what looks like a long, cold winter at the start of it here in the mountains of my home. There is one thing of Christmas that can remain, however, if we only let it. The spirit of the season can last in our hearts if we so choose. The spirit of joy and love, giving and sharing, and goodness and God can burn bright in our souls all the year long. |
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In the long winter ahead that spirit will warm me as I watch kids riding sleds and making snow angels, families building snow people and having snowball fights, and neighbors shovelling out drives and pushing out stuck cars for each other. In the spring that follows I will see that spirit shine as children pick flowers for their moms, as people plant trees, flowers, and gardens, and as families go on picnics and play in the grass once again. |
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As Summer warms the Earth that spirit will be warmer still as people swim in the rivers, lakes, and pools, as children run, laugh, and play in the bright sunshine, and as caring neighbors mow lawns and repair houses for those who can't do it themselves. In Autumn that spirit will continue to shine brighter than all the colorful leaves on the trees as children start school again with joyful hearts and eager minds, as families harvest their gardens and play in the leaves together, and as people gaze on the beauty of nature and celebrate the glory of God's love for them. |
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| May the spirit of Christmas and the love and joy of God burn bright in all our souls today, tomorrow, and for all eternity. | ||
| Joseph J. Mazzella | ||
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