Season's Greetings!
It's a privilege to connect with you through words and stories, and as we approach the year's end, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude. In the spirit of the season, I'll be taking a brief break to recharge, reflect, and gather inspiration for the upcoming articles we'll explore together. The holidays offer a unique opportunity for introspection, allowing us to appreciate the moments that have shaped us and anticipate the adventures that lie ahead.
It’s also time to reflect on the season…the time of year for Jesus, Santa and the Taxman. Of the three, the taxman is my least favorite, but Santa is running a close second.
The bearded man in a red suit came along in the 19th century, thanks to the work of cartoonist Thomas Nast. His illustrations of Santa Claus were published in Harper's Weekly in the 1860s and 1870s, helping to establish the visual identity of Santa that we recognize. Every. Single. Day. At least until 2023 ends and a blissful nine, Santa-free months begin.
And just when I finally am happy to see the fat man go away… the tax man cometh. It’s clear Santa doesn’t pay real estate and property taxes at the North Pole because he wouldn’t be so darn Jolly this time of year. Santa and the taxman remind me of the real magic of the holiday season is how much I pretend it is the most wonderful time of the year.
This brings me to the least demanding of the December trio— Jesus. Despite what a lot of Christmas cards say, it’s not the time of peace, gifts, and love. Jesus would demand peace and love from us every day, not just one day set aside to acknowledge his birth. He would also remind us not to worry about presents, what we are wearing, or what we will be eating this holiday season. Jesus really doesn’t have a lot of demands other than for us to “seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” In the words of the Doobie Brothers, Jesus is just alright with me.