In a year when so many have been taken prematurely, it is worth remembering that more that 130 million new souls came into the world this year.  They are an affirmation of our collective hope for the future, even in times of hardship.  

Of course, for Christians, this is the time of year that celebrates the birth of hope and the good news.  There are many Christmas carols which express this hope but one of my favorites has always been the classic, When A Child is Born.  It was first popularized by the great Johnny Mathis but I find this performance of it by Sinead O’Conner and Danny O’Reilly to be particularly moving.  For my non-Christian friends, I think you will find the lyrics quite interfaith.  For the hope in the future and the celebration of new life is a basic tenant of all of the great faiths.

According to tradition, an ancient Persian king asked his advisors for the most important thought he could share with his subjects.  Their answer was “this too shall pass.”

Merry Christmas to my Christian friends and happy holidays to those that follow another path.