In 2016, I wrote a first-ever Christmas letter. The gist of that letter to friends and family was what we might do in the event of a Trump presidency. Sounds like old news now. At that time, I suggested we form an expat community, just in case. In 2020, my second Christmas letter addressed what we ought to do if the leader of the free world would not abide by election results and try somehow to stay in power. I said at the time that we would need good comrades to fight together to preserve Democracy.
It strikes me now the former letter was a call to flight, the latter a call to fight. Each was a response to an oppressive weight bearing down on us all. Both letters were a Clarion Call to do something! The words felt more like the proverbial lone voice in the wilderness.
This Christmas of 2023, looking back and ahead to 2024, I will not write another Christmas letter. It is not that I am less concerned. Au Contraire. But, these days I am not the only one. These days there are many,many more voices sending out the call. That feels like a relief, yet it is not an excuse to let someone else solve the common threats facing each of us, whether you believe that threat is real or not.
The choice not to write another Christmas letter speaks of another voice calling. Sometimes the voice is like a whisper, other times like an earthquake. The still small voice speaks volumes no matter if the volume is turned up high or down low. That voice cannot be ignored and won't be denied. With all the warring factions at home, and around the world, the best Christmas gift we might give and in turn receive is a priceless gift of peace of mind. Whether tucking a child into bed who is waiting for Santa, or traveling far and wide, the holiday is meant to be the pause in this weary world. It is meant to clear our minds of all the noise so that we may hear that still small voice within. If that is too much to ask for this year, then why not just listen if only for a minute, an hour, a morning, an afternoon, an evening, or on that one day when the whole world waits to hear the angels' voices.
Just listening daily for increasing lengths of time. Some might call this meditation. I get the same result every time. A tremendous sense of calm. Perhaps if we are collectively listening we will hear Peace.