From the Gospel of Luke: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”

This is how I first learned about the true meaning of Christmas through my Catholic upbringing. Yes, we received gifts as young children and it was wonderful, but I will never forget these words, recited at Mass during the Christmas season.

I also believe in the spirit of Christmas, not just the Biblical story, but of what it means internally. Wouldn't it be nice if the Christmas spirit of kindness, joy and love could stay with us all year long, rather than just a few weeks or days of the year? The world would be a better place.

In trying to capture the spirit, the “feeling” of Christmas, I looked up a few famous quotes about the holy day. Here are a few that I found which I feel mean a lot about Christmas:

“Christmas is a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart." Freya Stark

“Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” Dr. Seuss

"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree." Roy L. Smith

“What is Christmas? It is the tenderness of the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future." Agnes M. Pahro

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." Charles Dickens

"At Christmas, all roads lead home." Marjorie Holmes

“Peace on earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day." Helen Steiner Rice

So, we wish you peace, joy and the comfort of home and family this Christmas and all the year long.

Merry Christmas.