The air begins to fill with the wonderful aroma of spiced cranberry, cookies baking in the oven, and the crackling sounds of a fire going. As we sit on our favorite spot admiring the music of our favorite holiday tone while relaxing to a cup of hot chocolate. This of course only happens in a perfect world, unless you are Martha Stewart. Today we have the bustling sounds of horns and sirens as we drive like maniacs from one shopping center to another stopping for a quick bite to eat before dashing off to another year end sale. We begin to think about our to do list of presents to purchase and how many more shopping days are left until the dreaded morning of the paper shredding ceremony aka Christmas Day. Let us not forget about the real reason behind this time of year, family.
December always leaves my heart full of compassion and joy for those around me, including my family. Most of us consider family as blood relatives, but let us not forget about those whom we have adopted into our lives. The purpose behind every story related to all religions is always overlooked. When we look at the oil lamps of Hanukkah we think of the miracle of it lasting and the greatness of Elohim. Regarding the birth of Jesus for the Christians we are focused on Mary and the virgin birth. Last we are left with the rebirth of the Great God who left us at Samhain. All of these have a theme of God, but there is another theme overlooked, family.
Each story tells about the struggle of a family who stuck together through difficult times in their lives. Family of not only blood, but of close friends who chose in that moment to be a part of magnificent changes in history, without ever knowing the effect they would have. As we approach the Feast of Togetherness this month, let us not forget the main ingredient in our holiday meal, family. Take a moment and spend time together with those who you consider to yours and have a wonderfully blessed season together.
Yours in Faith,
Most Rev. Dr. Isaac L. Kramer, Ph.D. Meta.
Presiding Archbishop
The Holy Order of St. Raphael Interfaith
Blessings and blessed be
Rev Jeff