The Power of Love

At its basic level, Oxford University Press defines LOVE as "...an intense feeling of deep affection." How does one describe love? How do you explain a feeling or feelings, one may have for another? And how do you describe love as it relates to the Christmas season?

For me, the first thing that comes to mind especially at Christmas, is the love that I have for God and all of the wonderful things He has created. This always brings a smile to my face when I really sit back and think about it. God created life. He created the sun, the moon and the stars. Earth, water, trees, animals, insects ... and of course man, woman and the little baby Jesus.

At the birth of a baby, God's miracle of life presents itself in a way that is truly amazing. I'm a brand-new grandmother and was honored when my youngest daughter Kelli, insisted that I "...cut the cord" in delivery of her first baby, six months ago. This new little angel appeared to be a carbon copy of her mother at birth. For an instant, all elements in time stalled-- and I had a moment of deja vu.

So, I can only imagine how Mary must have felt, when holding, for the first time, the special one we call Jesus. The power of love made Three Wise Men "travel from the East" to pay homage and to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. Cloaked in rich velvet robes of royalty, these men of wisdom journeyed to Jerusalem and lavished the Christ Child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And in so doing, we continue to celebrate the meaning of Christmas in that same way. We may not dress in royal robes but many of us journey long distances to be with family, bringing gifts for our loved ones. This is the power of abundant, seamless love. Desire for gathering in one special place, celebrating with one another as we rejoice in God's continuation of mankind... the power of love.

It is my personal message to each person reading this story, that you live in total peace, harmony and LOVE for the rest of your days. May you be eternally blessed especially during the Season of Love, Christmas 2006.