Freedom to Celebrate

December 15, 2013

Incredible world! We all have much to be thankful for – to Celebrate. To my agnostic and atheist friends and family, celebrate your lives, your families, your country, and your good fortune to live under the incredible circumstances which we find ourselves.

Now, to the others of all denominations; of all faiths, may you bask in the light of your creator and celebrate those things in which you believe. Celebration is our avenue for expressions of belief. My Christian belief system has provided an opportunity to believe in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. He sits at the right hand of God, our Heavenly Father and loves us. He atoned for us by allowing his crucifixion for all the sins and agony of the people of all times. Now as Christians we believe that a moment in time each year should be appointed as the official time when we reverence his live, his sacrifice, and his love for each of us. We call that Christmas. Anyone can participate in this celebration. We are all God’s children and he loves each of us.

To those who would prohibit expressions of love and faith such as the placement of a manger scene, or the name of Jesus Christ in a public place, please understand that we, as Christians, wish you no harm, or offense. We encourage each to bask in celebrating the spiritual beliefs of your understanding. We will celebrate with you by honoring your right to believe how, what, or who they may. When it is all said and done and we cross the great divide between this mortal scene and the next realm where our eyes will be opened and we will be blessed with understanding of many of the “mysteries of Heaven” we will know how things happened and why they occurred as they did in our lives.

A friend in years past found her faith waning after some of those close to her challenged her beliefs. They ask how a loving God could banish children, not baptized, from eternal blessings. How God could allow mass murder, even genocide all around the world and not provide opportunities for those who died as unbelievers (most even unknowers) from eternal blessings. My reaction was simple; dear friend, God has a plan that accounts for all of these circumstances and many more. He is not a “respecter of persons” and will make all the components of his great plan of happiness available to every human placed on this earth. He loves us all equally and will provide. Ours is the responsibility to search the scriptures, to search our hearts, to pray for understanding and His will.

Each of us thinks we have a handle on the big picture. Each of us wants the very best for our progeny. Why would God want any less?

In total sincerity and love, I wish each of you a very

Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Duane Jacobs, Grandfather, father, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend