Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to all

This is a holiday season for us, and for some of us, this season offers a reminder of religious messages. Perhaps the season provokes reflection, and will lead us to understanding, maybe even to wisdom.

But, we are here only because “some rough men” are “out there” protecting us. Some of the men (a term I use without intending to imply gender) are overseas, away from families and loved ones, doing work and facing fear we can only imagine.

Others are “pounding beats” although mostly in police cars, or watching for gang members, or directing traffic. All are “in harm’s way” to protect us as we celebrate our holiday.

They deserve our thanks and our prayers. We pray they will return safely to us.

May the peace and joy inherent in this season be with you and yours throughout the coming year.