Our end of year letter 2018

Two days before it is Christmas day. Tomorrow night, our family will be here to exchange gifts and a traditional dinner together. I am sure many thousand families will be doing the same. Our family is no different than other families. We have had our ups and downs, good times and bad, heart breaks and joys. This is my fond time of the year. No only being with my family, but celebrating the birth of Jesus. This may surprise some of my family and friends, but I am a very religious man. I just don't preach it or push it on people, like it was to me growing up. I have believed in Jesus since age 12, and maybe sooner. Of course, I have not been a perfect Christian, as I should be. I have sinned many times, and I have asked for forgiveness many times too. Ok, this is not about MY religion or how I believe, it is about Christmas and why it is what it is. It is a celebration. It is not about gifts, which that has become the key around Christmas. It is not about lights or decorations. It is rejoicing the birth of Christ. This varies from one religion to another. In our recent visit to a Muslim country, Egypt, we learned even they rejoice in the Virgin Mary and the birth of Jesus. It is even in their Coran. They even map the Holy family's trip to his birth place. Also, that 'Allah' means "love", not their God's name. "Allah be with you" means 'Let love be with you'. Surprised? I was. I have gone into Mosics and prayed along with Muslims, and for the same things...peace and love and rejoicing God, no matter what you may call him, or her. I believe ALL religions praise a God that we will find (someday) that is is the same God, by a different name. So, Christmas is NOT just for Christians, but for everyone. It may not be celebrated on December 25th, BUT, it should be celebrated EVERYDAY. Christmas, or whatever your choice of religion is, should be year-round. Everyone has or believes in creation, I just don't believe it came from the BIG BANG. Something created that big bang. Something started everything, it did not just happen. So the bottom line is celebrate your God, your family, life, love thy neighbor not matter what kind of creep they may be, be nice and forgiving, and lastly... MERRY CHRISTMAS. I love you all. Harrold and Nancy