" .  .  . on earth peace, good will toward men."

December 24, 2007  

With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, genocide in Darfur, still no lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and the continuing global threat from al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, peace on earth, good will toward men remains elusive.

Wars, unfortunately, like crime, disease, and poverty are perennial.  Manifestations of the imperfect human condition, they wax and wane with the times, but they are with us always in one form or another.  We deplore them, and do everything in our power to prevent and end them, yet they persist.

Americans understand that the defense of freedom often requires war.  We’ve fought many wars to defend our own freedom and the freedom of our friends and allies and oppressed people around the world.  We know all too well that tyranny and aggression, like pandemic disease, will find a host wherever defenses are weak, and that religious, ethnic, and cultural differences have caused conflicts that have lasted for centuries.

During the holiday season, however, our minds turn away, if only briefly, from the travails of a turbulent world.  We focus on the people and places most important to us, our families, our friends, our places of worship.  Acknowledging human imperfection and all that torments mankind, we turn to those closest to us to create and share peace and happiness in our own personal worlds.  We share with friends and family what we have and what we believe in.

When those we love and care about can’t be with us, we reach out to them wherever they are with cards and letters and tokens of our affection.  Whether they’re a friend or family member living somewhere far away or simply unable to join us, we do what we can to let them know how much we miss them.

For those who have family members serving in Iraq or Afghanistan or some other outpost of freedom around the world, the separation and the knowledge those we love may be in harm's way makes the season more difficult, but no less meaningful.  Their absence only reminds us how important the people and things we value are.

When we’re successful at capturing the holiday spirit, amidst all the commercialization and materialism that surrounds us, it is no small accomplishment.  It keeps alive and spreads what is best in humankind.  It recharges our batteries, reaffirms our belief in ourselves and what life is all about.  After all, it’s not who or what we are, or how much we possess, but what we believe that binds us together.

Wherever you are, may you successfully capture the spirit of the holiday season and have a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.