The holiday season is upon us.

Sincere or insincere, we expressed individual and collective gratitude on Thanksgiving Day. Even before the gravy had a chance to stain Aunt Nelly’s best table cloth, materialism put its iron grip upon us to go spend, spend, spend! We have been conditioned to believe that without “Stuff,” there can’t possibly be any satisfaction with Christmas. I have personally renamed the holiday to “Cashmas.” Many have tried to tame the Dragon of Manifest Possessiveness…. Most have failed miserably.

I, however, still keep my eye on that tiny babe in the manger.

I don’t particularly care if he actually existed or not. His life narrative (story) has taught me to admire and adopt his message and example. He is, for me, a heroic character.  

Psychologists have postulated that as a species, we need examples or templates. We learn to emulate the examples of others. I hate to use the old chestnut…but monkey see, monkey do.

So with a tip of the hat to Charles Darwin…this monkey continues to hope, dream, and work for a world that works for everyone. I hold that babe in the manger, knowing that by his inspiration, I have become more better than bitter.

I don’t worship him as “deity.” He is a great guide that I choose to honor for that guidance. When the last present is opened and the last sigh is given unto the loss of those holiday feelings…I hope we continue to listen and learn from his life. His life is a great gift. Let us learn from his Spirit of Giving, rather than just admiring the outer trimmings.

Happy Christmas 🎄 Happy Holidays 🎉
Rev. Ron