Christmas Spirit Shines Through The Chaos Around Us

Stealing some lyrics from a popular song, “for we need a little Christmas right this very minute.”  I know we could have said this last year and the year before and the year before that…in truth it’s appropriate for this time every year.

With all that is going on in this country and the world we all need a touch of that holiday spirit.  Look around us, we may be told the economy is strong by some measurements but many are struggling.  More and more we hear about food insecurity and those that used to be embarrassed when it comes to collecting donated food now gladly accept it.  It seems homelessness is becoming a bigger problem and not just in big cities but signs of it are almost everywhere including right here in Ocean County.

We are indirectly involved in conflicts that threaten democracy across the globe.  Just about every day gun violence takes innocent lives with no end in sight.  We are a nation divided by left and right, red and blue and the one thing we don’t get from our elected leaders is leadership. I don’t want to sound negative but it’s truly a chaotic time here, there and everywhere.

So enter Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa…whatever you celebrate.  They are all very different yet the same in one regard and that is the good feelings that comes with the holiday and celebration.  Families and friends get together, some exchanges gifts while others just exchange smiles, hugs and handshakes.  It’s that feeling you get and receive when you wish someone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Blessed Kwanzaa.

One thing we all need is peace and joy…no arguing that.