An Irish Christmas Blessing

The light of the Christmas star to you

The warmth of home and hearth to you

The cheer and good will of friends to you

The hope of a childlike heart to you

The joy of a thousand angels to you

The love of the Son and God’s peace to you.

We were sitting down to write another thought-provoking editorial when it occurred to us that this is the last paper before Christmas.

So here are some thoughts as we are about to celebrate the 2013th year since our Savior’s birth and find ourselves in a world where the fundamentals of Christianity are being turned upside-down.

Christians are being murdered and imprisoned at an alarming rate around the world.

There doesn’t seem to be much concern about this.

In spite of this, because we are about to celebrate the birth of Christ, we must realize that there is always that flicker of hope as we search for love and peace.

We have no words of wisdom that men and women with greater gifts have not already offered, except to say: Take some time, slow down. There will always be time to buy gifts, kiss your children, and love your spouse.

Offer to your neighbor a smile and a cheery greeting.

Forgive those who have offended you this past year, and pray that the Good Lord will hold you firm to his breast and that the very spirit of Christmas will pour out across the land, especially on our homes and families here in Covington/Newton.

May each of you have a Merry Christmas, and please accept our special thanks for your confidence and support this past year.