Dear family, friends, and everyone in between,

Those of you who know me well know that this, the week of Christmas, is my absolute favorite time of year. It is a time of hope, giving, faith, and peace, and part of that is because of the lessons that Christmas teaches us about ourselves and about life in general.

The most amazing thing about humanity is its ability to remain hopeful, even in the most dismal of circumstances. There are many things that lead me to this conclusion, but I think at Christmas time it is most prevalent. Yes, many focus on the never ending advertisements and rush to buy gifts for our loved ones and friends. But Christmas also brings out our generosity, as this is a time where volunteers for the Salvation Army and the Soup kitchen are plentiful, it is a time where we are asked to remember those who are less fortunate, and most of all, it is a time where we eventually slow down to realize what is really important.

I personally find the spirit that Christmas gives us all fascinating, as it is one of the most infectious spirits known to man. President Reagan said it best in his Christmas address in 1981: “On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ with prayer, feasting, and great merriment. But, most of all, we experience it in our hearts. For, more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and love triumphs over hate. It is present when men of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. Let us resolve to honor this spirit of Christmas and strive to keep it throughout the year. Nancy and I ask you to join us in a prayer that prudence, wisdom, and understanding might descend on the people of all nations' so that during the year ahead we may realize an ancient and wondrous dream: "peace on earth, goodwill toward men."

This is truly the beauty of the season, the desire for peace among all people comes back to the surface. Christmas and New Years are often times of burying the hatchet with those around us and looking forward to the future. If nothing else, Christmas time is a temporary reprieve from the problems which plague us today and offer us hope. Looking into the eyes of a child on Christmas morning or the knowing face of the elderly at a church service celebrating the birth of the one we know as the eternal Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

Most of all, Christmas reminds us how blessed we are. As I’ve written in articles past, I am a very blessed man and I guarantee that you are one of those blessing. I pray that all of your holiday wishes come true.

Merry Christmas and God Bless,

Matthew Causer