Dear Honey Run Friends,
As I write this, we are preparing for the first statewide snowstorm of the year. The Christmas decorations are going up at The Inn as we speak, and with the possibility of some snow accumulation, I am in full Christmas mode. Yes, this year is different with the pandemic, but it is also the same. The sound of Christmas music in the background, the lights adorning houses and trees, and the celebration of the birth of Jesus have not gone away with COVID-19.
May I share what Advent and Christmas season mean to me? I know many of you do not share my Christian faith, and I do not share this with any intent of belittling your beliefs or as a statement that my beliefs are superior. Truth be told, we all believe our beliefs are the right ones. But I share this solely as my life experience and faith. Christmas is the celebration of when God came to live on earth with us and to redeem us from our shortcomings through Jesus. It’s that simple and that powerful. For me, having a God who cares enough for us and is humble enough to walk as I walk (minus my imperfections) makes all the difference in my life. Yes, the cultural traditions excite my senses and warm my heart, but they are not the entire story. These outward blessings point me toward and remind me of what I see as the only reason for this season – my God arriving on earth in human form to walk with me.
I pray that this Christmas season brings you great joy in whatever you celebrate. I pray for each of you a healthy, safe, and joyful season as we close out this year of 2020 and look forward to the blessings that are in store for us in 2021. Please know that I am aware of all the suffering that is currently facing the world. I am aware that lives are cut short each day due to violence and disease. But rather than focus on the suffering part of life, I choose to focus on the living part of life. And while the living portion may be longer or shorter depending on our time allotted, we all have an opportunity to live. How we use this precious time is up to us. I pray you appreciate the gift of your life and know the inner joy in your soul that I experience. Life, no matter the length, is a gift.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year blessings to you all!
Your grateful Innkeeper,
Jason
