We are a multi-cultural community around here, and I want to keep it that way. But watching A Charlie Brown Christmas the other day with my kids, something struck me: 

"'⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. ¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  from the Gospel of Luke, recited by Linus Van Pelt

My own sense of spirituality and the universe has evolved over time. Christmas no longer has an orthodox religious meaning for me, but the simple beauty of that passage brings a tear to my eye and emotion to my heart.

No matter. The point is that we are all in this together.  All of us, no matter our religious or spiritual beliefs, or lack thereof, all of us are bound together by the fact that we are human.

My fondest wish is that peace, good will, and love triumph over fear in the coming year, for all of you, wherever and whoever you are.

Peace to you all from the Sickels family.