Winter Holidays

It's Christmas Eve and the first day of Hanukah.

It's wonderful to have such celebrations in the bleak midwinter - although it's actually only the beginning of that season, not the middle. Winter started on December 21st.

But it's still a cold time of year and we enjoy having fireplaces warm and candles and lights glowing as families gather together and share feasts, if they can. And we think of those who can't be with us.

But what about people in the Southern hemisphere? Down under Summer has just begun. Do people in Brazil and Australia celebrate Christmas with picnics and outdoor parties? I have no idea.

But, you know what?

It really doesn't matter.

What we are celebrating is God's love for us and our love for each other. And those things are here at all seasons of the year.

I hope everyone who reads this feels surrounded by love and joy.

God bless us, every one.