The apex of another Christmas holiday season is almost upon us, proving that another year has quickly sped by.
This weekend has been consumed with the usual frenzy of last-minute shopping, cooking and preparations for time-honored holiday festivities. Mail trucks and parcel delivery vehicles are zipping to and fro, helping Santa complete his appointed rounds.
This time of year is also a period for religious and secular reflection alike. Peace on earth and goodwill toward men are likely welcomed by all who understand the meaning and manifold benefits of those words. They’re a reflection of mankind’s yearning and struggle for a better world.
There’s nothing new there. A glance back through the pages of this newspaper from decades past quickly shows that humankind’s worries have been commonplace and persistent across time. The essays from yesteryear ring relevant today.
America was involved in war 50 years ago, 75 years ago, and 100 years ago. We worried then about the world that would emerge from those conflicts — just as we do today as a global war against terrorism still costs American lives.
As the old newspaper columns show, the hardships of the day could not trample hope and joy. Troubles should not extinguish optimism today, either.
The excited hubbub of our community at this time of year, and our more-personal fellowship with family, friends and parishioners remind us of the simple, good and pleasant things in this life, whether we’re religious or not.
In a hopeful, anxious world of today, that is a good thing.
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