Keep it Real All Year Long

Wrap the presents, decorate the tree, bake the cookies, shop, get to the next party, write the cards, shop again...it seems like it never ends. And it seems like it starts earlier every year (I think I saw the first Christmas display in August this year - seriously!). It's so very easy to get caught up in all the business of Christmas, so my wish for you this holiday season is a peaceful Christmas full of the most important things.

I know that for me it is important to take a moment and make sure that I keep this holiday season a time of celebration and love. I try to not let Christmas become a chore. 

The beauty of the Christmas season can remind us of all the beauty in life that we take for granted; our family, our friends, and our faith.

So celebrate the simple things of great wonder - that special light in the eyes of a child as they behold the wonder of the Christmas tree or the dancing flames of the candles on the Hanukkah Menorah; the smiles of people we may not even know but who give us the simple gift of human dignity that a smile represents; the closeness of family and friends in this season. 

These are the true gifts of Christmas that gladden our souls and warm our hearts.  Long after the batteries are dead on the toys, the apps have been downloaded onto the new tablet, the book has been read, and the food has been eaten there remains three most important gifts that endure - faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.

Whether you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas; the two Hanukkah miracles of the great Jewish military victory and miraculous supply of oil for the Temple; the celebration of family, community and culture during Kwanzaa; or another, let us each commit that the good things of this season will stay with us and in us to grow throughout the year.

We at SVdP Atlanta wish all of you our best and thank you for your continued support this past year. 

Peace and God Bless,

John