Christmas Eve. Tonight is a Holy Night, whether you follow any religion, or none at all. Simply the fact that a large percentage of the world’s population will set aside this night for reverence, contemplation, prayer, or—not at all conversely—some degree of celebration, revelry, or entertainment, makes it a period of unusual peace, calm, happiness and goodwill.
On another Christmas Eve: the stockings are hung, the door is open to welcome strangers (Photo: Mark Zeiger).
One needn’t go all spiritual or “new agey” in order to draw some sort of encouragement from the world’s mind set this night. One simply needs to find something good and meaningful to do (or maybe even nothing at all!) whatever it may be, and do so mindful of the fact that most of us are, in these brief moments, doing likewise. Let it recharge and encourage you on whatever level you are most comfortable with. Celebrate the moment of peace and goodwill, then carry it forward from this point. To use the ancient words of the Christian tradition, be not afraid. Be of good cheer! See what might happen: maybe nothing—but, maybe—everything.
Merry Christmas!
Here’s a description and photos of our first Christmas on the homestead, 2005.
