Why a Simpler Christmas? For all humanity’s vaunted knowledge and technological prowess, when it comes to celebrating the Christmas mystery, we are brought up short. Are we missing the truly simple, the real Christmas message? In his book, STARLIGHT, John Shea notes: “The problem is that our mind is not home on the earth. It is not rooted in the graciousness of divine presence. It knows everything except the most important thing: it is a child of God in both snow and rain.” Perhaps openness to this gracious divine presence is the finest gift we can give to God and to one another. Can we resolve, then, to have a simpler Christmas? A simpler Christmas leads to freedom. A consumer Christmas leads to stress and debt. Simplicity leads to generosity. It leaves room for more joy – getting the burden of “stuff” off our shoulders. It builds relationships. We are told thousands of times every day by commercial advertising that we will find meaning and happiness through stuff. Simplicity says we will find happiness and meaning in life through relationships – within ourselves, with others, with the Earth and with God. It promotes justice. By using only our fair share of Earth’s resources, we leave some for others around the globe and for future generations. It Cares for Creation. A simple life is an Earth-friendly life. Again to John Shea: “Peace will not be won by our affluence and technology until we know the Earth as our home and all people as inhabitants of a common house.” For more information on celebrating a simpler Christmas, go to: www.simpleLiving.org