Family and friends are making preparations to visit. Christmas presents and Hanukkah gifts 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 them during the last holiday season have passed on and cannot share in this year’s celebrations.

In addition, heartache and fear overshadow any happiness felt by many Jewish and Muslim families with the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian territories. The fate of some loved ones and friends is already known. For others, all that remains is hope. Children and the innocents on both sides are suffering and dying. Parents are crying out in pain.

Memories of time shared with these loved ones will be cherished for decades to come.

Earthly life is fleeting. Only by believing in one’s God 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 tragic and horrific events in the Middle East are showing, there is no guarantee 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, peaceful and prosperous 2024.

Deb Palmieri

editor

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press