Our holiday traditions fill my home with a Christmas tree and lights, poinsettias, presents, cookies and other baked goods, and music and carols. I love all of these things and look forward to them each year. Yet, I find myself conflicted during this holiday season. I’m reminded of the lyrics from one of my favorite carols, O Holy Night, that echo,

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”

I know that some of us – maybe a lot of us -- feel weary from a world that feels broken. Broken from the continued uncertainty of the pandemic, racial injustices not addressed, unkind interactions on social media or in person, and the effects of repeated harm to our earth. And some of us may feel weary from personal brokenness because of grief from the loss of a loved one, a job or relationship that ended, illness of your own or someone we love, or sheer exhaustion from carrying all that we have for the past 22 months.

Yet we prevail. And we hope. And we believe things can and will be better. When we look around, we see good in our world and in our lives, even amidst the chaos, fear, and pain. The holiday season is one of peace, hope, and celebrations with those we love. As you celebrate this holiday season, my holiday wish for you is:

  • Healing in body, mind, and soul
  • Comfort in your grief
  • Kindness in every interaction
  • Joy in the little things around you
  • Wonder and awe in nature and our earth
  • Gratitude for your many blessings each day
  • An abundance of love and laughter with family and friends
  • Restoration and rejuvenation for the New Year

Most of all, my wish for you is a moment to pause and reflect on all that is good surrounding us as we celebrate this holiday season and make plans to welcome 2022.

“The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each other’s burdens, easing each other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.”

                                                                                                                                                                     –W. C. Jones

Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a bright and happy New Year!

Warmly,

Tamera