For a moment just now, the world stands still because of the Birth of a Baby in a manger over two thousand years ago. Life is friendlier and more festive. Lights shine. Music plays. Smiles are brighter and more frequent. Church pews are crowded. Children are more excited. Adults are kinder. Life takes a bit of a respite from some of its harsher ways.

To be sure, war, poverty, anger, greed, hatred, self-absorption, and fear still exist. But somehow in December, alongside all that, a deeper sense of hope exists as well. Those who are too cynical to believe in a Prince of Peace the rest of the year sign cards in December that say, "Peace on earth, good will to all." As I said, so much of what we resign ourselves to eleven months a year stands still in December.

As we sat in the beautiful Christmas musical event at church last Sunday afternoon, Page whispered, "This must be what Heaven sounds like." I suspect she's right. It is probably what Heaven feels like, too -- kind of like endless December.

And all this new spirit, this warmth and depth and tenderness, is not by accident. The increased appetite to live charitably or altruistically or spiritually is not some whimsical urge linked to winter solstice. It is, instead, the direct result of the Birth of Bethlehem's Child. Even those who do not believe in Him as Messiah cannot deny that He has had and continues to have a transforming influence in the whole world. Things become a bit more heavenly when we think of Him and celebrate the season of His Birth.

So, I am committed to savoring the season while it's here. It will pass all too soon. But perhaps if I focus more intently on its beauties and the genesis of them, I can carry a bit of December with me into March, July, and October. And wouldn't the world be a lovelier place if we all did that, even just a little?

The Birth of Christ has given us a sacred season that offers a glimpse of what the world could and should be like all year long. I'm so thankful for December. And this year, I am exceedingly thankful for experiencing it with you.