Guest: Celebrate the season with gratitude
Christmas is a season of miracles. Some we cannot explain. Some we can make. There is magic and power in the story of the greatest miracle of the humble birth of a baby in a rugged manager 2,000 years ago. God came to us in the least of ways when He could have chosen any means of pomp and circumstance. But the birth of Christ was to be about all people, from the lowly shepherds to kings.
The Christmas miracle gives us the gift of love and hope we can carry in our hearts to change this world for the better.
We should always look to that miracle with gratitude. It was the best gift to humanity and a chance to live it, finding in our combined love the possibility of the miracle of peace. Mankind has searched for centuries since for peace among all nations. Yet, wars have been fought continuously for wealth and power. And we fall short of fulfilling God’s promise.
Today we have more abundance than before. Yet poverty and injustice exists. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of the season we overlook the gratitude that can change us for the better. Gratitude and love for one another can bring peace. We get caught up in the celebrations, parties, tinsel and gifts and can lose sight of the season's focus.
Celebrate this season with gratitude. It will bring us closer to one another. In the quiet of Christmas night, we will see our way to the love given to all of us. If we choose to believe it. It takes faith.
Reflecting upon the celebration and joy of Christ’s birth, I could not help but think of my grandmother 79 years ago. Four sons were serving in the Pacific during World War II. Four Stars in the window. Christmas must have been observed in a somber mood. America was in the depths of world conflict. Almost every family has similar stories. Now, 2023, we are at peace at home, but wars still rage.
Please pray for peace, that people will celebrate Christmas with gratitude. Pray for inclusion and acceptance of our neighbors of all faiths. Pray we learn enough to end prospects of war for all humanity.
The miracle is ours to live. Maybe, just maybe we can fulfill the promise of love and peace. What a miracle that would be.
Phil G. Busey Sr. is chairman and CEO of DRG and The Busey Group of Cos.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Our Christmas miracle can be one of peace, inclusion
