The month of December rings out the old and brings in the new. It will close the year of 1996, and bring in the entrance of a new year in space and time.
For the young child or the young at heart, it is a time of exhilaration and excitement. The crisp air, rain and snow; the decorations of tiny bright lights; the angel set at the very top of the tree, as if to send a heavenly blessing. The symbols of giving -- Santa and his eight reindeer make their annual appearance. The anxious expressions and sounds of laughter and tears as we open the gifts of the heart from our family and friends. Ah, Christmas, a day of pure delight for the little ones.
For many of the adults, it can be a rather sad time. They are a little older and a little wiser than the last year. Many of them are alone, or experiencing their first solitary Christmas. For such people, it is a time of reflection. Where did the year go? What have I accomplished? What direction is my life going to take in 1997? These are the sighs of the adults, and just like the thoughts of the young children, they are not wrong.
The correct approach is in balancing the merriment with giving ample thought to the future direction we intend to travel. Our present actions will affect both our past and our future. Our every action has its roots from the traditions of the past, and goals for a new time and place as we form our own history and create our own destiny.
In truth, Christmas is a day set aside to extend our love in giving gifts to others in a personal way. It is a time to put aside any trials, negative thoughts and usual routines of daily living. It is a time of love and peace, for giving encouragement and a helping hand.
All of us extend to you a season blessed with love, peace and good health. For those of you who are traveling a steep and rough path, we extend a helping hand to lighten your load. It is our hope that at this time of year, no matter what our personal position in life may be, we extend our arms and embrace all of our families, friends, and fellow members of the human race in an act of love.