It’s the Christmas season. A time when we shop, give gifts,                                                       feast, and vacation. At least that is what it appears to be on the surface. If we look beyond the superficial and ask, study, and learn about who this Jesus Christ was, and why so many around the globe celebrate his birth, the true meaning of Christmas shines through.

Whether you believe he was a real person, a savior, a prophet, or a mythical personification or metaphorical person, Jesus Christ taught and preached only peace, love, and kindness. The Christmas season is a time to reflect on his teachings and how each of us imbues his teachings into our lives, not only at Christmastime, but throughout the year. Loving our neighbors and being kind to others should be a continuous practice for all of us.

As the angel declared upon Christ’s birth:

Δοξα εν υψιστοις θεω
και επι γης ειρηνη
εν ανθρωποις ευδοκιας

-Luke 2:14

Or, as Linus said in A Charlie Brown Christmas:

Glory to God in the Highest                                                                                                       and on earth peace                                                                                                                               and goodwill toward men!