This Christmas season, I have many thoughts. First, with everything that is going on in our modern world that is crazy; war, crime, political uncertainty, and economic uncertainty; it can be rather discouraging and difficult to culture hope within ourselves. I'm not even including anybody's personal difficulties, just what is happening with the world around us overall. With everything going on, we may ask ourselves "how can I have joy at Christmas?", "How can I believe in hope for the future?". My answer to this would be that if you are religious in any way, or believe in a higher power, it can be very helpful to maintain a standard of hope in your lives. Even if you aren't religous, Christmas does tend to be a cultural time where there is an increased feeling of caring for your fellow men and wanting do do as much as you can in order to help make other people's lives better - even if that thing is just something simple such as a "how are you doing?" or bringing a meal to someone who may be in need.
In short, we don't need to solve all of the problems in the world, we just need to do everything that we can for the people around us. We may not be able to make a huge difference in the world as a whole, but we can definitely make a difference in the lives of the people around us. Personally, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Am I perfect at following the tenants of my religion? no, but I definitely try. I believe that during this time of year, God would have us reach out to as many people as we can, even if it is only in a seemingly small and unimportant way. I believe that these small actions, are what is expected of us. We are expected to help our fellow men, albeit not more than we are able. We are asked to remember the Christ child and what His life gave to us and how much he loves us. For those who are of other faiths, God would have us do what we can to assist others, so long as we are capable.
I would encourage everybody at this Christmas time, and throughout all the holiday season, to remember to have an increased measure of patience and love for our fellow men. At times this will be difficult, but it is possible. I am reminded of the story of the WW1 Christmas truce of 1914. Where even in the harshest battlefields, and many areas of the front lines, an unofficial truce was agreed between both sides of the war. These individuals came out of the trenches, exchanged gifts, Christmas greetings, and played sports - right there on the frontlines! This is only possible because each individual on both sides harbored the spirit of Christmas within them.
Might I then suggest, that although it may not be as big as the Christmas truce in WW1, that we make a Christmas truth within ourselves. Then reach out and forgive others who may have wronged us, striving to make other peoples lives just a little bit easier. Just as the Christmas truce didn't resolve WW1, the Christmas truce I am suggesting will not solve our personal problems and disputes. This will allow us to have more peace during the Christmas season, just as Christ was the master of peace.
Merry Christmas
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