Christmas is a time to reflect on life. Somehow, most of society mutually agrees that we should take time aside, pause, and celebrate the transcendent.

Sure, there’s cookies, wine, eggnog, gift wrapping, and more. But they seem to come from some thing different; they aren’t the thing itself, but something connected to ‘the thing’.

A part of us senses about life that there’s gotta be something more, something it’s all about. I once heard humans described as ‘meaning-seeking’ creatures, and after reflecting on, it stuck - we are: we look for purpose, for significance, for meaning. We know our struggles, our joys, our connections, our yearnings, they’re linked to some thing.

This time of year, that thing seems to have a peculiar palpability — it feels closer to our touch, within reach for us to grasp. Maybe it’s because there seems to be an extra dose of ‘good will’ in the air. Or maybe it’s connected to the sparkling lights we see here and there. Or the scents, sounds, and shuffling about on errands for others instead of ourselves.

Whatever it is, it feels ‘with us’. It draws us closer if we’re attentive, waiting. Like the bright star piercing the night sky, crossing the expanse of the universe, traveling at the speed of light … all to be seen by our eyes, to fill us with a glow, to bring a smile to our faces. There, as we stand in the midst of the cold night, warmth is felt, we get a glint, a reflection.

Then we go back inside, hug those who are closest to us, and hold that moment in our souls, keeping its embers alive and rekindling the fire for the night ahead.

~*~

May his peace be with you this Christmas and all the nights of the year, and wishing you health & true prosperity in the new year ahead!