In recent years I haven’t been very “big” on Christmas. The conflicted messages that emanate at this time of the year have become too much for this aging soul. I recall being so fervent as a child, anticipating the birth of baby Jesus, marveling at the tale of the three wise men and, of course, anticipating Santa’s visit. Even in to middle age there was still a lot enjoyment centered around the holiday. But over-commercialization coupled with learning the truth about how our religious documents were not the contemporary reportage that we might have thought, have made this writer cynical about it all. As the media focuses on the “new phenomena” of “fake news” let’s not lose sight of the fact that religions have practiced fake news for years.
This year things seem especially grim. Many are choosing to “drop out” because, honestly, it has become impossible to know what is real and what is not. On Facebook this morning I saw a Canadian journalist who claims that the U.S.A. is fabricating stories about Syria, that the “White Helmets” are not a humanitarian group but a well-funded paramilitary organization, and that we don’t have a clue as to what is happening in Aleppo because there are no reporters in the city. She noted that one prominent source on conditions in Aleppo lives in Coventry, England! She seemed incredibly well versed and was particularly articulate about the dreadful war in Syria but who is to say that she is reporting the truth?
Ironically it is this unsettled state of mind that turns many people to religion but it seems our various cultures have plenty of faith in various gods…we simply have no faith in each other.
And so I found myself humming, “We Need a Little Christmas,” from the musical “Mame.” It’s a cheerful ditty and I hadn’t heard it in a while so, as is my wont, I was inspired to have a listen on Spotify. I wonder if these lyrics resonate with any of you, dear readers?
Angels, alas, are in short supply but in the Christmas tradition I can send you a star, a Florida star.
This photograph is one of our lovely Florida grasses with a crown of morning dew. Nature always soothes me and brings things into perspective. And today that perspective is right in-line with Mame’s:
Need a little Christmas now.
Alice's WanderLand 
I hear you. I too struggle with the focus the holiday has taken. Then I can only hope that my grandchildren will feel excited and experience hope about a Creator that wants Peace for all humankind. If this comes in the form of the old stories so be it. The important thing is the memory and the seed of possible good will to be in them as adults. Maybe Peace is possible and love can conquer hate, that is my hope for their adult thinking.
LikeLike
Yes, Ginny, you raise an important point about the need to learn good values when we are young and certainly the religious teachings that I heard and read during my youth gave me a strong foundation and sense of right and wrong.
LikeLike
With your uncanny insight and ability to articulate the thoughts and feelings of so many, I thank you for your words. These can be dark days and a brilliant Florida Star can wipe away a cloud.
LikeLike
Thanks dear friend. Hope your birthday was a happy one.
LikeLike
A perfect “read” for a Monday morning at work, where I, too, am having a hard time mustering up my usual Christmas spirit.
You are a wised woman, and I appreciate your perspective.
Wishing you light in the foggy future.
With warm memories,
Ivy
LikeLike
Thanks Ivy.
LikeLike