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This is a season of good will and charity, the spirit of Christmas. But as my wife, Judy, and I learned in our two-year journey through interfaith seminary, every major faith tradition in the world has at its core two major tenets. The first is that we hold Spirit (God, our conscience, the still quiet voice within) above all else. The second is that we treat others the way we wish to be treated.
In addition to Christmas, this is the time of year for Hanukkah for the Jewish faith, the Feast of Sacrifice and Eid ul-Fitr for the Islamic faith, and a celebration of the winter solstice for many others. All urge charity to those who are less fortunate.
When I counsel Boy Scouts who are earning the Citizenship in the World merit badge, I urge them to think of those things that bind us together as human beings, not our differences. Whatever their faith or culture, all human beings want to be free from hunger and poverty, to have educational opportunities, to be able express themselves freely, and to provide well for their children.
When we acknowledge our common ground, we can move to consensus and be the change that we would like see in the world. Let us hold this thought in our hearts during this season, as well as the coming year.
Blessings of the Season to you and your families.
Oh, the possibilities!
David G. Hunt
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