The Happiest Time of the Year

Once again, the Christmas trees are up, pretty lights abound and there is a mad dash to get the latest techno toy before the reindeer land on the roof. So much has changed since this time last year. There are families who still have no jobs. There are kids who  still go to bed hungry. There are kids who are afraid to go to school because of bullies, still. We spend so much time, energy and money on being sure not to offend anyone, so much on making sure no one feels they are better than anyone else. Maybe if some of that concern, and resources was to be put towards making sure our kids are safe and secure, the rest of it might just work itself out. Someone much smarter than I once said the measure of a society can be seen in how it treats its children, aged and animals. In this country, once  the greatest nation in the world, we are  remiss in caring for these  groups. In a world where a child feels worthless, where animals are butchered for  sheer joy, and where the elderly are victimized and viewed as  burdens on the greater masses,   how can we expect the situation we are in to right itself? This season is one all about a single child. This child was born to parents who were poor, outcasts with no property and no intrinsic value to the greater society. In fact, some regarded them both as mentally unstable given their circumstances. They  struggled to  make due with what they had and what they were being given. In a time of  uncertainty and doubt, a small child was born in humble surroundings who would grow to be one of the greatest change agents  of modern time.  No matter what your belief system, religion or culture, please take a moment to read the Christmas story and see just how important one small child can be to the rest of the world. Merry Christmas and Blessings to you all.