all I want for Christmas can't be put under a tree...

 "The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread." 

~ Mother Teresa

I remember a homily a priest once gave at Christmas Mass, about how we got so caught up in the beauty (and bustle!) of Christmas, that we forget who and what it is really all about. Christmas celebrates the birth of a Savior. It is not about the gifts that we GET, but rather, what can we bring to another, that should be the focus of this holiday. It has nothing to do with Xboxes, iPhones or large screen TV's, rather, it has everything to do with bringing our whole selves to God, warts and all. We stand before Him, sinful and sorrowful and because of that, He sent His son to us; we are made perfect! His love for us is unconditional...and THAT is the message that each of one is to deliver to others. The gift of unconditional love. Loving the alcoholic, the addict, the homeless, the poor, those with whom we cast aside. Jesus taught us that it doesn't matter what creed, color or gender we are, we are loved! Isn't that a great message? Isn't that just so simple?

So...go now, bring peace to all you meet. and if you didn't get the right color sweater...or if that jacket clashes with those pants...think about those who would love nothing more than to be recognized with a hug, a smile, a kind word, a loving gesture of friendship. There are so many of those in this big world. Reach out to another today--and tomorrow...and always!

Merry Christmas!