To the Journal editor:

We are soon to celebrate Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Much has changed since my childhood days in the 1940s and early 1950s. Back then it was more about giving than getting. If we received a gift or two, that was a blessing.

More important, most families got together to enjoy time spent celebrating the real meaning of Christmas. Going to church to realize the wonderful gift God gave us the coming of his son Jesus Christ that was God himself in human form. One has to really take time to appreciate what a gift it is.

The gift continues to this day. God’s offer for us to follow the way Jesus showed us. It’s about love for one another, remembering the poor, hungry and those in need. I did for awhile get caught up in the world way of Christmas, more like happy holidays.

Parties, drinking and getting more stuff. As I have confessed before in my previous letters, I had a spiritual awakening in 1986. At that time I was very unhappy. I lost my job and had no pay for a couple of years. I lost my wordly life of material things and what I thought was a good life of getting more and not what I learned in my younger years.

I don’t make judgements of what others do but for me I just can’t believe how much material goods that are in stores. It’s overwhelming for me. Plus it starts in September.

Too bad that our new way is about spending. At least for just a few weeks we should really enjoy what the Christmas season is really about, time to thank God for the best gift ever and then spend time with family and friends.

Just take time to slow down and look about to see not only the real Christmas story but remember the beauty of nature, the clean fresh air, the white snow and the wonders of our winter season. Thanks be to God for his many blessings.

Merry Christmas to all!