As the rush to Christmas day nears its end, families across the Mid-Ohio Valley are settling into their traditions and regaining their grasp on the reason for our celebration. Many will find themselves in candlelit sanctuaries singing “Silent Night” together as we remember the birth of an infant holy, tender and mild.

Born in the humblest of circumstances to overwhelmed parents in a land that was not their own, but that of their ancestors, this child came with tidings of “peace,” and “good will toward men.”

While we celebrate with strings of twinkling lights rather than a bright star in the east, or the exchange of gifts that would have baffled the magi, we cannot forget the angels celebrated “good news of great joy that will be for all the people,” by giving “Glory to God in the highest.”

And we should be as awestruck as those poor cowering shepherds so many years ago when we remember that baby was to tell us we must love God AND love one another.

The gift to us was the reminder that “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

On Christmas, there is joy, laughter, good food, singing, presents — a true bright spot in the gloom of midwinter. Those festivities are wonderful ways to honor the anniversary of the birth of “the Reason for the season.”

Let us also take into the world the wonder, joy, warmth and spirit of giving in these days as it carries us through the rest of winter and beyond.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

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“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”

President Calvin Coolidge

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

Charles Dickens