Christmas is almost here. This year again has come and gone. We look at what is happening in the whole world and there is not much peace and good will toward man. But when has it ever been different. When Jesus arrived in this world, the Romans ruled most of the known world. Jesus came to bring peace and love to this world. And the world goes on as it does each and every year. So, what is the difference? The difference is that we have a choice to make whether or not we carry on with the same old same old.

My mom and her sisters saw the same world I see and they did something about it. We would gather at our house or either of my two aunt’s. We would meet for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. It would be at one of the sister’s home. Our whole family would meet. The women were in the kitchen cooking and talking. The men were in the front room watching football and talking. The kids were outside playing. When the food was ready, we would all sit down and eat together. Our family was and is more important than any gift or holiday. We loved each other and showed it. Soon as we grew up, we would bring girl friends to our family gatherings. Then it was wives and children. You see our family was all boys. There were 9 cousins, my grandfather’s baseball team. All of our parents and grandparents are gone. We are down to 6 cousins and families. But we have all the memories that we made all of those years.

In this Christmas season, the difference is that we can unashamedly show love and care for our families and well as our neighbors. Jesus said to love God above all and to love your neighbors as yourself. In this Christmas season make a difference and choose to show love and compassion for your families and your fellowman. Joyeaux Noel et bonne annee.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com