One Higher Power

This time of year, we’re bombarded with reminders of the Christian story — birth from a virgin mother, the three “wise guys” from the East, shepherds in their simple glory, and angels heard on high.

I wonder, though, if they were still in our faces as living and breathing human beings, would they agree with our remembrances? Would any religious figure, living and breathing, find our remembrances valid and purposeful?

Posing the question brings a thoughtful reminder to be critical of what we hold dear. Are these seasonal celebrations something of purpose, or are they simple gestures of logical bearance to social order?

I think Jesus would remind us that Christmas is about giving — just as he would remind us that every moment is about giving. If we do not give, what purpose do we fulfill in living? I think the Buddha would remind us that every moment is about peace. If we do not have peace, what purpose do we fulfill in living? I think Gandhi would remind us that every moment is about pure love. If we do not have pure love, what purpose do we fulfill in living? I think Muhammad would remind us that we ought to fight for giving, peace, and love. If we do not fight for giving, peace, and love, what purpose do we fulfill in living?

Giving, love, peace, and purpose are the “reason for the season,” and not just a simple remembrance of one boy born in a manger — though this image is to bear our own simple existence and misgivings.

What do you think, when someone says to you: “Happy Christmas,” or “Happy Hanukkah,” or “Blessed Eid?” Do you find generosity, peace, love, and purpose? If so, then I think you find the meaning of them all.