This holiday season is the most colorful time of the year. Decorating with evergreens, bright colorful lights, sparkly decorations and poinsettia flowers is meant to brighten the darkest time and give us hope for the coming year.
One night while driving home there at the top of the hill sat a house with a beautiful colored light display. So, in the quiet dark I stopped the car and took in the beauty. These lights ignited a wonderful feeling in me. What truly matters is Christmas harmony and goodwill.
During the holiday season people get together with loved ones and friends. There is much traveling and partying. Many experience joy and merriment for a while, but this season can be overwhelming with so much to do in such a short time with great expectations.
Some people put deceitful, manipulating words out for their own self-serving ideas that are like seeds that can take root in the human soul. This year there are people with such fear and disappointment that they declare they will not be spending holidays with any of their family. Deep-seated hatred and disappointment influence their emotions, and the joy that can be anticipated in this season is hollow.
Christmas is a good time to open our eyes to the goodness around us. Focus on the people in our lives and appreciate the gifts they are with thanksgiving. Time to set aside our differences.
First Corinthians in the Bible guides us in this and reminds us that love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up. Faith, hope and patience never fail. Love is eternal.
Jesus Christ is life, and this life brings light to brighten the world and overcome darkness. He came to give us a gift of true joy, peace, hope and love. Let Him into your heart. Second Thessalonians in the Bible reveals this to us.
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and, in His grace, give us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.
People in our lives are true gifts — recognize the value.
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
