My Christmas Wish

My Friends,

It is with a sincere breadth of faith, warmth and gratitude that I write to you this holiday.

Many of us have memories of Christmas’ past that seem to flood our thoughts and leave us melancholy. Things we wish we should have done or said come to us as if it were yesterday once more.

My earliest thoughts of Christmas are of my family sitting under the tree and opening our presents as my mom and dad sat nearby. We were a working class family and my parents struggled to provide or us. It took every bit of work for them to give us the things we wished for. It wasn’t until after their passing that I realized the extreme sacrifices they made and of the hardships they took upon themselves so that we could have all the advantages they never had. It’s usually that way, isn’t it, that we don’t truly appreciate what we have until it is gone.

They say there is a feeling of wanting that comes with retrospect. Recalling what we have not done and of the regrets we feel in life are sometimes magnified by the presence of time. We’re a little grayer, a little slower but all the wiser for the experience. We need to remember that. It is not as important as what we say but what we do. We can’t change the past but we can make up for ourselves in the here and now. Do good, forgive someone, say an extra prayer or call an old friend who needs our words of kindness.

It was Jesus that taught us that by giving the simplest of gifts that we are enriched and inspired. I never have had much so I give of my time and my talent. I share my heart, I share my words, I share my faith with those less fortunate than myself. I am thankful for the smallest of things in life – a good home, food on the table, a roof over my head, the support of my family, and the fellowship of some marvelous friends. It is these things we cling to in times of trouble and the things we are most thankful of in times of success. We tend to relate to others more of what we are thankful for and less of our shortcomings.

Most fathers of that age, like my father, were not men of great conversation. They did not speak very openly about their experiences and kept to themselves. Sharing a tender moment was just not my dad’s way. Rather, his treasure was his gift of faith and of his love through his actions. My mother, on the other hand, showed her affection and rich stories about her life. She was to me the most beautiful, animated and caring woman I have or will ever know. Her treasure was her unfailing love and kindness for everyone around her. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. This reminds me of Jesus and of His gifts to us.

He came to down to Earth to be our savior, to be our friend and a glowing light of love. It is by this simple act of birth that changed forever how we were conceived. My parents brought me into this world out of their sincere love for His creation and I am forever thankful.

May God bless each of you this holiday season and everyday throughout the year. I hope you continue to grow in His grace with faith, hope and charity. May you find solace in the simplest of gifts and of the power in our prayers. This is my Christmas wish for you.