A Personal Christmas Message

Merry Christmas Eve Bloggers - There are many things to talk about when it comes to the celebration of Christmas, or the birth of God on earth, and one of them, in my humble opinion, is to celebrate our blessings. Count them if you will. That is my Christmas wish.

Let's see, I have people I love and a life that I love to enjoy. You all know who you are out there, especially my family and friends. I would like to extend that joy to my fellow bloggers. I enjoy our blogging, and you guys make life more interesting. I hope each and every one of you enjoys a wonderful Christmas celebration.

So, since I have a blog, I thought I might share a few thoughts about what Christmas means to me at this stage of my life. It's from me to you, or for anyone who cares to eavesdrop. I don't want to talk about abstracts, however, I want to focus on the blessings we can can smell, see and hear.

For example, I live in a very beautiful place - the hills of Southern California. I feel blessed for the fact that I walk around each morning appreciating everything. I'm one of those fortunate enough to smell the flowers, pick the fruit, and grow a garden.

In December, I often enjoy an extraordinary view of the ocean and high snow capped mountains in the distance. I don't take them for granted. I always look at them. I always appreciate them. I guess you could say that I count my blessings daily.

The Native Americans had it right; they took the time. We should all take time, each day, to fill ourselves with the spirit and the beauty of everything around us. It doesn't matter where you live; there is usually something beautiful in the most common places.

That's my wish this Christmas. I think some Christians lose sight of the world Jesus came to appreciate, and focus too much on an unfortunate desire to see the next. Buddhists are better at it. They talk about the next life, but they also talk about appreciating this one. They meditate and try to become part of both. It's pretty cool if you ask me. I appreciate their teachings too

You see, in my opinion, Jesus came here to say that we have plenty to love and enjoy here on Earth, and that if we live decent, charitable lives, that life here will be a blessing for all of us. We all have something good or special in our lives, and it's up to each of us to take the time to find it, and to appreciate it.

So, let's celebrate the birthday of a man - of God - who taught us all how to be appreciate one another, and how to appreciate our many gifts and blessings. So, my Christmas wish is that WE COUNT OUR BLESSINGS, and be charitable and giving to one another. I know I will do my best. Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Eve Message #1 - Michael