SUNDAYS WITH JASON

Finally that Christmas “feeling” has come over me. It is the final countdown and I thought instead of making fun of how stressed out Donna is, well, I just wouldn’t go there. So I decided to end this season on an “up” note. So where were we? Yes, that “Christmas feeling.”

So what does Christmas mean to you? After 26 years on this planet, I am not quite sure if I know. My family has shrunk down since I was a kid. My favorite relatives all passed away around the past holidays and it seems like it made me a bit of a miser at an early age, not to mention my mother, sister and brother all became “snow birds” and are in Ft. Myers for good. But as a new father and with the 4 sister-in-laws I have now, the family seems to be on an upswing. So I am still getting used to trying to slap on a Merry Christmas face, when appropriate. But this year I asked myself the same thing I asked you. So, what does it mean to me? Well, if you don’t believe in Christ I would have to ask why you celebrate Christmas at all, and I would probably expect your reading to taper off as I continue on today. That being said, beyond the tree, the garland, the presents, the in-laws and the food, Christ is really what Christmas is all about. So if you argue that point, bear with me, there’s a lesson here. Because in addition to that, there is the old saying, “Christmas is the season of perpetual hope.”

The fact that we still celebrate the birth of Christ 2000 years later is a true testament to the very foundation of hope. Let’s face it; the circumstances under which Christ was born were perilous by the standards of that time; but even with modern medicines and the conveniences of today, I'd say his chances of survival would still be slim. Nonetheless, the baby Jesus endured and was the hope of the entire world.

So who’s to say that we can’t hold on to that same kind of hope during our small existence? A hope for the very best, no matter the dangers or adversity that come along the way. Hope for today, tomorrow and forever. I know in my heart that it is an attainable, tangible concept. It’s goes hand in hand; first, we need to be fueled (motivated) by hope. Secondly, with hopes and dreams we have a reason to fight our way through everyday, it just takes some effort. I am not preaching but I am sure that some of the tragedies this past year could have been avoided (or better yet, prevented) if people had a real sense of what hope is.

Today, young people, lacking motivation, are being sold a lie that they are alone in this great big world and that no one really cares about what’s going on with them. Without the hope that there is a God and that He wants the very best for them and cares about them just as they are. How can we expect kids to be motivated? What do they see in us that would convince them to buckle down and work hard, to make good choices? Do they see the possibilities in life; or the dead ends? Even if you don’t believe in God or Christ or you believe in Buddha or Gandhi, or nothing at all; you have to agree that the belief (or faith) in hope is a mighty power. We need to believe things will work out for the greater good; it’s our lifeblood.

So let’s remember the people who carry that passion with them not just on December 25th, but also on every day of the year. Like, the firefighter who runs into a burning building, or an EMT responding to an accident, how about a police officer answering a call for back up, and every time the phone rings in the emergency dispatch; all these people are put into situations where their hope has to be bigger than their own strength. Hope that they can make the difference between a tragedy and a modern-day miracle.

What about our men and woman who are fighting (and have fought) for our freedom? The very freedom that allows us to “dream big” and go after our hopes. The very fact that we can stop and say, “I have hopes and I have dreams,” is a pure representation of the sacrifices made for us every single day. Me, I’m just a regular old bloke, I have hope that I can make a difference by living a responsible lifestyle; by passing that on to my children. By reaching into my pocket for noble causes, and giving the shirt off my back when my pockets are empty. I have the hope that everyone has a talent to contribute to the betterment of mankind; that our youth are the next generation of great thinkers, and maybe they should be treated that way.

Hope isn’t just for the people with badges or uniforms. It’s the fiber that holds us all together. So, as we head into the New Year, and the dust of 2007 settles, the question therein lies: what do you hope for and maybe; who has hope in you?

That’s all friends, just a bit of nonsense to get you to think and maybe brighten up your season too. I hope you didn’t miss me making fun of people too much. Oh, and if I die by drowning in a vat off eggnog, or am electrocuted while stringing up Christmas lights: promise that someone makes fun of me! (Just don't let Donna do my eulogy; she has such a sense of humor)

So relax, lend a hand and don’t be afraid to tell someone you care.

Merry Christmas everyone! Be smart, be safe and take time to appreciate the beauty of being able to laugh, even if it’s at yourself.

Till next time,

Jason