Open your eyes and ears, Christmas is here

In recent weeks we have heard that selective radio stations refused to play the classic holiday standard "Baby It's Cold Outside" because some aggrieved listeners find it too suggestive. A principal in Nebraska who felt that the "J" shape represented Jesus banned candy canes from public school. A Minnesota college professor criticized God for impregnating Mary without permission. These outlying opinions seem detached from logical reasoning and intrude on long-respected traditions.

Their viewpoints are provocative and likely are intended to be such. Our task is to turn these provocations into inspiration. Especially at this time of year, we are better served by attuning to a timelier and arguably similarly illogical phenomenon: The Christmas season. It changes us, if only for a short time, in mysterious and inexplicable ways.

The Christmas season is a time of sounds unique to the season. Somewhere between the magnificence of the Hallelujah Chorus to the tinkling bell that accompanies the red pail of the Salvation Army, there lies a range of sounds that begs hearing. Laughter and music are in profusion.

The Christmas season is a time of lights. Somewhere between spectacular synchronized light shows and a simple candle in the window, illumination beckons our attention. Inspired effort has made familiar landscapes brighter and more festive. Somehow we feel brighter.

Christmas is a time of feeling. Handshakes, high-fives, fist-bumps, and ever-popular hugs abound. Embraces are yours for the taking and giving. Memories become more vivid as our reminiscing peaks, and we feel the tug to rejoice in and renew our relationships with family and friends. We find that the lump in our throat and the tear in our eye arise more readily than at any other time of the year. Magically we become more aware of helping others. We measure the abundance in our lives and find greater awareness of the less fortunate. Giving replaces taking.

The Christmas season is finite but its effects do not have to be fleeting. As it slips away into the New Year, what will be your response? Did you hear it? Did you see it? Did you feel it? Remember, Christmas comes but once a year and when it comes there are lights to see, feelings to grasp, and sounds to hear. Don't miss it!

Ronald Bearwald

Northbrook