Christmas Blessing

And yet another year comes in which we celebrate Christmas. I'm not sure how things go in other countries, but in the United States it's a big deal. Everything is lighted and everyone seems to be in a better mood. The joy seems to be flowing through every man, woman, and child.

We are blessed this year to spend time with our families and loved ones. We are blessed to be with those that have grown, and those that will grow in front of us. This time of year tends to be known for the coming together of families and the reconciliation of the disagreements of the past. This is the time of year that we make plans for the following and swear to correct our wrongs (though usually we don’t follow through). This is the time of year that we are to love one another, whole-heartedly, simply because we should.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are blessed to be able to wake up in the morning with our loved ones and open gifts, sing songs, and enjoy each other’s company. We are blessed to have the abundance of food we eat on this celebrated day. We are blessed to have the computers we use to read and write the messages on this board. Together, you and I, we are blessed.

Tomorrow we will unified in celebration, and joy will prevail. Together we will pray. And in our prayers we mustn’t forget those who have gone on before us, and celebrated with us in our youth. In our prayers we mustn’t forget those who will not be home for Christmas this year, and those who will never return for Christmas again. In our prayers we mustn’t forget those who will not wake up tomorrow with their loved ones to open gifts and sing songs, but will wake up to a black car and a folded American flag. We mustn’t forget the mourning that happens beneath the smiles, the grief that underlines the joy.

Please remember that the only reason we know what happiness is, is because we have all experienced sadness. Please keep in your hearts and minds those who fight selflessly in a war that is not their own. Please love one another, at least for one day, without reason or cause. And most importantly:

Please have a wonderful Christmas.

-Andrew

Amen. Merry Christmas all.

And to all a good night...