News from Peace Begins With Me

What is the proper way to celebrate Christmas? Is it by indulging in the decadence of beautifully wrapped presents carefully arranged under the tree delivered by the fellow with the white beard and red suit? It is by gathering family and friends together for a round of Christmas cheer and a shared meal? Or is it by piously attending midnight mass to honour the birth of the individual known as Jesus?

Over the years I've indulged in all of these aspects of Christmas. As a young child I repeatedly paged through the Sears catalogue and carefully listed my desires in a letter to Santa. Then on Christmas morning quietly tip toed down the stairs to see if Santa had brought me the focus of my young desire. I remember being filled with awe as packages of every description and colour filled the spaces under our tree.

I remember the ritual of getting dressed in my best clothes and walking the streets at midnight, boots crunching on the crisp snow, to join hundreds of others in celebrating the birth of Jesus at a Christmas mass. It always amazed me how full the church would be at that time of night and the spirit that filled the air when the choir sang 'Joy to the World' and 'Silent Night'.

And I have fond memories of sitting around a large table covered from one end to the other with turkey doused in gravy, stuffing, softly mashed potatoes, brussels sprout, cranberries, and those special desserts that only show up at this time of year.

There are those who suggest we've lost the Christ in Christmas and that consumerism and a Coke inspired Santa have hijacked the true meaning of Christmas. And when the mailbox is stuffed with flyers describing every new toy or electronic device imaginable, the malls stuffed with people filling their shopping carts to meet the obligations and expectations of Christmas morning, and when our stomachs are stuffed with food that could easily have fed three or more and yet we find a way to take just a couple more bites, its possible we have missed what is important about Christmas.

At one time my life was focused on acquiring things - toys, electronics, cars, homes, money, and possessions. And thus Christmas was an important event to have my appetite for things satisfied. More recently I've lost my appetite for acquiring things. It may be because I have everything I truly need. Or it may be I've discovered that acquiring experiences is richer than acquiring things. My life now is more dedicated to creating experiences I feel in my heart than it is to acquiring things I hold in my hands. Holding joy is more desirable for me than holding a new ipod. Creating peace is more desirable than a Christmas tree crammed with presents.

And yet I've also come to discover that the Christmas tree, with all its lights and decorations, gifts with their bows and wrappings, and tables filled with an abundance of good food and drink can also be the means by which I experience my peace and joy. What I most like most about this time of year is there seems to be a feeling that rises up in me of wonder and glory, and of appreciation and gratitude that makes me feel better as a human being.

I like how my sense of generousity gets activated at this time of year and I want to find that perfect way to acknowledge those individuals who are special in my life. I like how I look at others as I cross the street or pass on the way from one store to the next and extend a joy filled greeting of 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy New Year'. I like that I dedicate time to celebrating, to singing, to experiencing family and friendships, and to dreaming of peace on earth and good will toward men.

I've come to accept that Christmas is a grand smorgasbord of experiences and opportunities and that each has the potential to deepen my compassion, appreciation and gratitude of others, and to experience deep joy, love and peace.

Christmas is a magical time. May you and yours have an abundance of peace and joy this festive season and may these experiences lift your spirit through out the coming year.

Cheers,
Ted