by

On Christmas 2018

Embed from Getty Images

 

On these pages I have stressed this point many times: “I believe the majority of the people in the world are good.” Regardless of the bad news we receive on any given day from any given place, I continue to maintain that statement as an important mantra.

Not only to I believe the majority of the people in the world are good, I also see Santa as the Spirit of Goodness because it is that spirit that touches all.

It is the season of Christmas across Christendom – and yes, Christmas is a religious holiday – and yes – I am Christian – and yes, I embrace Christmas a secular holiday for all.

Whereas some Christians (and I believe the minority) complain about the commercialism while proclaiming, Put Christ back in Christmas, I say there is plenty of room for everyone in a secular Christmas because Santa – the Spirit of Goodness – is for everyone. Santa is for Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, Naturalists, Christians, and anyone and everyone else.

During our recent trip to the Czech Republic, were told (multiple times) that the vast majority of Czechs today do not identify themselves as religious – let alone associated with a religious community. Yet – they embrace Christmas. I’m confident the Czech example if not unique – but rather very common because they embrace the Spirit of Goodness that the season brings.

Mannheim Steamroller’s version of Silent Night is one of my favorites. Below are different videos to the same song. I hope you pick one (and let me know).

May the Spirit of Goodness be with you not only during this holiday season, but throughout life.

The original

 

Beautiful painting of the season and live wildlife

 

Featuring the Aurora Borealis

 

More religious

56 thoughts on “On Christmas 2018”

  3. Such a lovely post, Frank! Thank you–and Merry Christmas to you and Ms. Angle.
    I only have time to listen to the first clip, but it’s beautiful. Still–the song itself is so beautiful, I think I like it best unadorned. I heard a woman singing it in Irish on a Rick Steves show yesterday (on the radio). 🙂

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  4. I agree that there is plenty of room for everyone in a secular Christmas. I’m OK too with Santa being the Spirit of Goodness. Thanks for giving me those two thoughts to take into the week of Christmas and New Year’s, and best Holiday wishes to you and yours.

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  6. I couldn’t agree more, Frank. Belief in Santa is a belief in all that is good in this world. That doesn’t compromise my beliefs as a Christian, it only enhances it.
    All of these songs are beautiful but there is something magical when I listen to it as scenes of the Aurora Borealis are displayed. Beautiful Christmas gift. Thank you.

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  10. The story of the nativity is a timeless story of peace and love. It contrasts starkly with the realities of modern life, commercialism, selfishness, bigotry and xenophobia. I also at this time of year think of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Such messages are desperately needed, now more than ever, as humanity copes with challenges like nuclear proliferation and environmental catastrophe. Here’s hoping that the leaders of the world will retain some of this wisdom as we enter the new year.

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    • Jim,
      Bestivus holiday wishes to you. Oh yes – A Christmas Carol is definitely delivers a timeless message. A toast to you wishes regarding leaders, then again, I’m confident that skillset is absent in some leaders. Hope all is well with you and your family for this holiday and others to come.

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  14. And may the Spirit of Goodness be with you and yours too, Frank! I also believe that most people are good. Interesting that the Czechs don’t identify with religion but still celebrate Christmas. Well, many of us don’t go to church but celebrate anyway.

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    • Jo,
      Thank you … and the bestivus of holiday wishes to you and yours. On our tour I recall how the Czechs embrace Christmas and their tradition of eating carp (YUK) – yet the majority are non-affiliated. Just strengthens my thoughts about Santa. 🙂

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  15. Merry Christmas! I agree that most people are good–and the spirit of Christmas is a message for all. Just imagine if the whole world did embrace that goodness and act on it everyday. The video I like best if the one with God’s Christmas Light Display. Lovely!

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    • Resa,
      Merry Christmas to you … and hope you day was full of fun and love. Agree – the holidays with family, friends, food, and wine = awesome! I too love the Aurora Borealis version – Cheers to us. … and thanks for the Marx Brothers with Sanity Clause. … They are classic!

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  20. I feel very much as you do, Frank. I am a Christian, as well, and Christmas is for me a time to be mindful of all that the birth of Jesus represents to me, I do that more or less privately and jump into the more secular joys of the season being that it makes sense to me to enjoy the cultural norms of Santa, shopping and decorating and baking. I hadn’t stopped to think about the Spirit of Goodness, but I think you’ve said it well. I share the deepest aspects of joy and contentment with family and friends during this season, and I think that’s as it should be. I think you’ve said it beautifully.

    We traveled about 6 hours north to our son’s house on Christmas afternoon and our XM radio in the car had a Mannheim Steamroller station that kept us entertained. It kept us entertained…and awake! 🙂

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    • Debra,
      Another checkmark for our commonalities. 🙂 Christmas is like a coin – but with each side of the coin in play at the same time. Yet, one my choose to only embrace one side. Cheers to the Spirit of Goodness. BTW – I, too, have XM and love Manheim Steamroller – but I didn’t listen to that channel this year. 😦

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