A Merry Christmas indeed.
Again this year, a truism has been proved – that the Christmas spirit returns, in spite of everything, to wield its magic on mankind.
With so much hate and turmoil in the world, so much sickness and tragedy, so much human misery, it almost seems irrational that we harbor such general good feelings toward our fellow men as the Christmastide generates.
Almost unconsciously people seem more friendly, disarmed of defense mechanisms by the season. In a flurry of greetings, carols, gifts, and expressions of endearment, we seem for time to be more appreciative, more outgoing. We are friendly to people we would otherwise ignore, tolerant of people we would otherwise criticize. Our bodies become inhabited by puzzling feelings of joy and promise, faith and dedication.
Remnants of reality linger, of course – the reality of wars or potential strife abroad, of conflict and crime at home, or situations among folks hardly reflect the love we associate with Him whose birthday we commemorate at this time of year.
These situations remind us that the idea of peace on earth and good will to men can be fragile – something we need to work at…perpetually.
Clinging to the cherished goal of peace and good will is part of the Christmas spirit. Year after the year the spirit comes back, stubborn and powerful in its gentleness. And it brings with it a vision of how things might be the year around if mankind had what it takes – but in any event, a fleeting utopia, a promise, and hope enough to last a year.