'Tis the Season to Love thy Neighbor

I get frustrated this time of year when I hear people argue over whether to say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or Season Greetings.

Why do we debate over the words someone else states rather than spending time nurturing the example we set? Would Jesus waste his time over something like that or would he gather all he meets in his compassionate arms and surround them with unconditional love?

Our world needs healing. There is so much division, judgment, and hate plaguing our planet that if we do not get a grip on it soon, we may destroy it to the point of no return and there will no longer be future Christmases to celebrate.

If your faith is one of love - show it, live it - don't force feed it.

To me, Christ in Christmas means to remember and honor the example he set. To thank God for all that we have and cherish by showing that appreciation in how we treat our neighbors. I feel that is what the Lord would want us to do no matter what religion or faith we or our neighbor may own. To do otherwise feels like judging the actions of others just because they did not say a certain word. It is a judgment that they are less worthy or ignorant. To me, that is not what Christmas is about.

Open your hearts - your homes - and your arms - "Tis the Season to Love thy Neighbor." If they are cold, help to warm their shivering bones. If they are hungry, invite them to your table. If they are lonely, open your doors and show them they are not alone. Do so without judgment as none of us are perfect, we're all perfectly flawed. It is what makes us human.

Take joy in the wonderment of the season - pay attention to the twinkle in a child's eye or the wisdom in the lines of an elderly person's face. There's beauty in all of us, we've all been graced with this miraculous thing known as life.

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