…there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all! – Colossians 3:11

Jesus shows us that true love, the love that comes from God, makes no distinction between friends and foes, between people who are for us and people who are against us, people who do us a favor and people who do us ill. God makes no such distinction . He loves all human beings, good or bad, with the same unconditional love. (Letters to Marc About Jesus, 59-60)

At Christmastime, TV shows, holiday movies and, most especially, commercials, encourage us to be more considerate to those around us. It is easy to get swept up in the warm sentimentality and then ask, “Why can’t we keep this feeling all year round?” But then the holidays end and things go back to “normal,” which evidently means treating others so considerately! It’s familiar pattern that happens year after year.

Yet Advent and Christmas mean that Christ is here among us — not just for a season, but forever. The same vivifying force that calls us to treat others better doesn’t go away after a certain date. God loves all human beings with a love that is stronger than death. When we ask why we can’t keep the “Christmas feeling” all year round, Christ replies, “Why can’t you?”

Prayer – Lord, help me to be more loving this year. Give me the grace to carry the joy of this season with me even long after it has passed. Amen.