“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2: 7-11, King James version)

***

Family and friends are making preparations to visit. Christmas presents will soon be unwrapped, and the sound of children playing with their new toys will be echoing throughout houses across the Lehigh Valley.

For many, however, loved ones who were with us last Christmas have passed on and cannot share this holiday season.

There may be loved ones now with us who will not return for Christmas dinner next year.

Memories created and photos taken this time of year will be cherished for decades to come.

Earthly life is fleeting. Only by believing in God’s gift to us on this special day Christians celebrate may we achieve everlasting life.

Hold your spouse, your children, your loved ones close to you.

Never let them leave the house without saying you love them.

As recent tragic events across the globe and here at home have shown, there is no guarantee that those with us one moment will be here the next.

Don’t let loved ones leave when cross words have been exchanged. Stop them and hold them tight first.

May the memories created this time of year be ones of happiness and joy, not ones of sadness or regret.

They are what we will hold on to when we can no longer hold the person we love.

I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous 2019.

Deb Palmieri

editor

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press