Cake and a Tree

Christmas is first and foremost a time of reflection and praise for me. There is no Christmas without Jesus, at least I don't believe so. But I understand the "holiday" spirit and that's just fine. I like the way people take the time to wish each other well and smile at one another,even if it may not last. For this few weeks it's nice to feel that brotherhood. It used to bug me that people who are not Christians had Christmas Trees. I'm happy now calling them Holiday Trees and letting those folks in on the celebration. After all, Jesus didn't have a Christmas Tree and Santa Claus has nothing whatsoever to do with His birth or His ministry; kind of like there not being a Cake in the delivery room when a baby is born. There are traditions that become attached to the celebration of a birthday and they're fun, as long as they don't overshadow the person who is being celebrated. People are happy honoring someone on their special day and that's a good thing. And if non-Christians want to get in on Christmas just to come together as friends and families, have fun and spread the cheer, I think Jesus would like that. There is a lot of horror and ugliness in this world; this year we're seeing it close to home, right in the middle of the Christmas season. We need as many people as possible wanting peace, love and goodwill for others. And, regardless of denomination, wishes of a simple and heartfelt "Merry Christmas" may be the sweetest sound you'll hear all year.