February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Alas, humankind’s learning curve is yet a steep climb.
Nevertheless, as we do at the end of every year, we take stock of the good as well as the bad, the hopeful and not just the hopeless.
And we gather ourselves and press forward because we know, in our hearts at least, that better days are assuredly ahead.
And they are.
Though we must say goodbye more often that we might want to, we also expect the opportunity to say hello, to new people, places, ideas and innovations.
Christmas, by contrast, is anything but new.
It has become a little careworn and, for sure, far too commercialized. And it must be squeezed into ever more frenetic lives.
And yet, in the light of the candle, the face of the Christ child, the smile of that Santa guy and the wonder in that kid’s eye, we see a reflection of all that we hold to be better and good.
And we pause, if only for a short while, and remind ourselves that the very highest ideals are still an inseparable part of who we are.
And then we let go, plunge into a new year that we well know will be anything but perfect.
But for now, just now, we condense all the good we wish for into a simple salutation.
And so, lest we forget: Merry Christmas.