What are your beliefs?

The Christmas Season is a time of reflection. Definitely, the hustle and bustle of purchasing, baking, cooking, organizing parties and dinners has taken the focus off of the “reflection” part of the season. We live in a world where many different traditions are celebrated – depending on culture, religion or different family values and beliefs. I think the most important part of any holiday is sharing joy, peach and hope with those around you. Reaching out to “add value” to the people around you. Finding something that touches your heart and helps you to reach deep within yourself and become a better person – someone who listens and looks for ways to bring joy to those around them. So, this Christmas (or whatever you are celebrating) embrace the symbols around you and reflect on the goodness in the world and how, all of us, no matter where we live, can impact the world around us, listen to each other and slowly the world will change – with a commitment to doing our best to living out our purpose.

As I was thinking about Christmas, I was reflecting on the advent wreath, definitely a religious tradition. It is traditionally an ever green circle symbolizing eternal life. The four candles represent the slow journey towards Christmas Day – as the light becomes brighter with each new candle, the light of Christ brings a little more light into the darkness. The first candle represents HOPE – anticipation of the Christ Child with penance, preparation and sacrifice. The second candle represents PEACE as we reflect on our lives and work on becoming better versions of ourselves. The third candle represents JOY as we approach Christmas. The final candle is LOVE – love changes everything. Genuine love for mankind is why Chirst came to earth in the first place. Finally, on Christmas Eve, we light the candle in the center – for the birth of Christ.

We all have our own beliefs – holidays are important – we need to know what we value and celebrate it. We need to make sure that we make a difference for those around us – no matter what – life gets hard and crazy and overwhelming and terrifying but, together, no matter what our faith or our beliefs, we can come together and make the world a better place.

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