As a religious professional, I have attempted in five years of these columns to stick with ethics in the larger sense and not from my parochial perspective.
These pieces have been about all people, not just a single sectarian group.
Yet, this week, it is difficult to avoid the fact that many of us celebrate Christmas. It is the birthday of Jesus of Nazareth.
His birth was likely not in December. The date was erroneously determined by a group of men trying to set a feast day near the winter solstice. Shepherds stay home in winter — they are usually out in the fields in more temperate months.
The date does not make much difference if we understand why we celebrate the day. It was not originally designed to supercharge the economy. It was designed to celebrate the highest spiritual virtues, like altruism and hopefulness.
Christmas represents the very best of human nature, as do holidays celebrated by the Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and others. It is about goodness, kindness and generosity being made real in relationships.
The appeal is for each of us to be Buddha-like, Muhammad-like, or Jesus-like in our lives. We hardly seem to try.
We have even institutionalized generosity by passing the hat and then passing the buck to a few who are willing to spend, say, the month of August helping the hungry.
As it is Christmas, let us just consider the wish for peace on earth and goodwill toward others.
Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. We are lousy at peace. Our track record shows that we are far better at hostility and egotism. We excel at finding fault.
Republicans and Democrats don’t get along. Each nation and religion claims superiority. There are wars in the world and violence in our neighborhoods. Our good intentions are often outpaced by our inadequate performance.
What if we moved our New Year’s resolutions up a week to Christmas?
Let it be resolved that we — all of us — will work on being more loving, giving, forgiving, charitable and kind in general. Think about what a real difference that would make.
Here’s wishing you gifts of peace and goodwill. May you both give them and receive them on your holiday.
• Mike McLellan can be contacted by calling and leaving a message at 830-4201 or e-mailing him at DrMikeM@sbcglobal.net.
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