A unique Christmas experience renews the holiday spirit

With all of the stress involved with shopping, cleaning, traveling and everything else that is associated with the holiday season, it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Many feel that Christmas is exclusively a Christian holiday, but even people who are not particularly religious still celebrate the holiday. But why?

It could be that the underlying meaning of Christmas breaks through all racial, ethnic and religious barriers. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of an extraordinary human being, Jesus of Nazareth. And no matter what you believe, it cannot be denied that Jesus' message of hope, love and compassion is meant for all who live on this Earth. He didn't teach love to Christians onlyexcluding all others. On the contrary, Jesus preached peace and love to all.

This feeling is strongest around Christmas, and it is felt in and outside of Christian circles. Unfortunately, there are some who are offended by Christmas, and have even pushed to have the phrase

Merry Christmas' removed from the public forum. Although they may feel threatened by Christian beliefs, I think that deep down even they too are somewhat affected by the overwhelming atmosphere of love and joy, even if they won't admit it.

Christmas is the celebration of the human heart, and during this extraordinary time of year, all the forces of the universe conspire to move the collective outlook on earth to one of peace and love for ourselves and others. We disregard all that is wrong in the world-if only for one day-and focus on everything that is good in human nature. You don't have to be of a certain race, religion or nationality to be affected by this development-only human.

I was reminded of this theme during an experience I shared with my girlfriend and her family this Christmas Eve. We went caroling, and on the way to our first stop we decided to call some of their family members in Mississippi and sing for them. The phone rang, the call was picked up and we sang. After we spread the joy, an unfamiliar voice sounded on the other end of the line. "Who is this, who is that singing?" We realized that we had dialed the wrong number, but it was of no concern. The unknown lady on the other end wished us a "Merry Christmas" and we did the same.

Later in the night, we went in the wrong house. We literally walked into an unknown family's home, and found them in the middle of opening presents and enjoying dinner together. Now, any other time of year we would have the GBPD looking for us. Instead, because of the universal feeling of joy, the family of strangers welcomed us into their home, requested a carol and even took a picture with us.

Sometimes we forget what makes Christmas so very special. It isn't the bows and ribbons, the surplus of great food, Santa Claus or even Christmas carols. It is the joyous and peaceful nature of the collective human heart during the holidays that inspires all of the things we enjoy. This extraordinary feeling compels us to share it with family, friends and strangers alike.

I think that is truly what Jesus had in mind when he spread his great message of hope and love over 2,000 years ago. As we move into the New Year, my wish is that the amazing demonstration of love and compassion seen during the holiday season becomes more prevalent in our everyday lives. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!