The Season of Magic and Miracles

Here we are in the middle of the holiday season, that magic, miraculous time of year.  This is the season of miracles like the virgin birth of the Christ Child (Christmas) and lamps that burned well beyond the supply of oil (Hanukkah).  Even the legends of Santa are full of magic, including flying reindeer and a rather rotund gentleman in a red fur-trimmed suit actually making it down chimney after chimney to deliver gifts.

This is a season full of belief and hope.  Even if we are not sure we believe, we want to.  We want to hope for better tomorrows.

As the very foundations of our country and our world are being shaken by the forces of darkness it is especially important for us to take time out to celebrate. Let’s look for the miracles that still surround us, and maybe even make a little magic ourselves.  This is the season where we normally see people being a little nicer than usual, giving to those in need and even speaking to strangers.  Let’s not stop that because we are still angry over an election or restrictions due to a pandemic.

If we “call off Christmas” (or whatever holiday you celebrate) because of the uncertainty of the world we live in then the darkness wins.  Keep in mind that canceling large gatherings and some of our “traditional” celebrations does not “cancel” Christmas or the other December light holidays.  I’m not talking about the Great Greed Festival some call Christmas.  I’m talking about recognizing and celebrating the presence of something bigger than all of us still at work in our lives and in our world.  Nothing can take that away from us.

Our outward celebrations will look different this year.  It is important we keep the health, safety and welfare of not only ourselves, but others in mind as we wear masks, practice social distancing and stay away from large gatherings.  The big gatherings and crowded stores do not serve us this year, but we can still celebrate, even if our celebrations do not look like they have in the past.

So go ahead and celebrate.  Draw your loved ones close, if not in person then in whatever way possible through the technology we now have available.  And finally, keep your eyes open — you don’t want to miss those miracles and the magic of the season.