By John Bonney of Springfield, Oregon USA

The Eternal Christ invites those who have yet to experience the blessings of baptism to “Follow me in the way of righteousness and peace.

Sometimes I just like to think outside the box. There’s a delicious sensation when I think I’m a nonconformist. It’s August, and the day is warm and dry. There is more such weather ahead. Suddenly, my mind says… “Christmas. Let’s think about Christmas and anticipate its coming while we’re in midsummer—the warmest, driest days of the year where I live.”

Well, what’s so strange about that? For many folks in the world, dry and hot is exactly the weather they experience when December 25 rolls around. Christmastime isn’t always about snow and sleigh bells. Let’s not be too narrow in our recognition of that special day or all days that make up that special season.

Christmas is more than an event, a moment, or anyone’s way of observing the holiday. It is an attitude, a lifestyle, a way of looking at life. We’ve heard children express the wish for having Christmas all year. I think it’s a good idea. There’s something about the Christmas season that we can practice and experience all year.

What is it about the season that tends to transform people? From where do the proverbial goodwill, kindness, generosity, and love come during that celebratory time? I’m not talking about a religious theme, although we celebrate that, too. Christmas is as much about spirituality as it is about merriness. But the season itself has evolved over the centuries, and it causes people to be a little softer of heart, more willing to go the extra mile on another’s behalf.

What would be possible if we practiced all day, every day, the general willingness to include rather than exclude? If we lived the Christmas spirit always, I believe there would be no malnourished, diseased, or poverty-stricken children. There would be no confrontational rudeness that has become so commonplace. Maybe there would be no war or unnecessary divisions among people.

Instead there would be the living, breathing spirit of hope which we allow into our lives during a few brief weeks each December. In that limitless season, we would find blessing. Yeah, I know, it’s a pipe dream. But I like such fantasies from season to season.

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Deepening Roots

A tree with superficial roots will wither during drought, or severe storms may uproot it. A tree whose roots go deep is stable and draws from deep waters. Imagine yourself as a tree by a river or stream. Sense your roots extending deep into the earth in search of God’s Spirit. Reflect or pray about what you hope to find as your spirit searches for deeper identity in God.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.