2003, 2004

This is a special time, a time of year when we may pause, amidst the celebration, to reflect on the mystery of life. While many gather around fireplaces or brightly lit trees, while families gather and others sit alone in the darkness, while church bells ring, while fireworks play in the nighttime sky and noisy revelers dance in the streets, while broken hearts bleed as much as ever, a gentle peace steals upon the Earth. Let us remember the still times, the quiet times, the joyful times, the festive times; let us face the next year stronger for having come together; let the love we share grow to encompass all; let heaven find a home on our beautiful blue planet and in the hearts of everyone.