Why I love Christmas, by Wright Sublette

Best Beloved,

I begin this with you all in my heart and spirt, alive and well. My journeys have taken me far this year, from the south coast of Florida, to historic and stunning Savannah Ga, to the greatest challenge in my life since the U.S. Navy, my move to California. I came to see if I really have what it takes to make my dreams a reality, and to put thought into action, reason into effort and heart into determination, and inner resolve into fortitude and personal growth.

We all begin this Christmas Season thinking about shopping lists, dead lines, what we must do to get really for the assorted party, the social gatherings and the magic day when we ALL ran down the stairs to see what Santa had left for us under the tree.

I love the tradition of a Christmas tree to decorate. Some of my happiest memories of the season are getting to decorate the tree with my sister Sylvia, or later with my beloved High School sweetheart Janet, before and during my trips home from the Navy. I love the lights filtering and flickering through the tree, the tinsial hung with care, the accumulation of family ornaments that date back a life time and all carry a story. The packages that are wrapped with love and joy for public display.

For years, I would love to turn out the lights in the living room and let the magic of the tree mesmerize me for hours. I have so many good memories watching the tree with Janet, or my Mom with soft music filtering through the down stairs of my home in Florida.

The strongest and longest Christmas memory that I love to this day is the Christmas Classic, “Merry Chirsmas, Charlie Brown” by the incomparable Charles Schultz. The classic 1950s program has brought music, and the joy of little people to the screen. The most powerful moment for me is the minute and a half where Charlie Brown in a moment of despair asks the question, “Does anyone know the meaning of Christmas” To this Linus replies “I know Charlie Brown...” and proceeds to tell the Classic Christmas story of the Bible. This mesmerizing minute and a half Linus reminds us all that the birth of Christ in the city of David, was born to bridge the gap between man and God. This is what the meaning of Christmas is. Even in eternal wisdom of Dr. Seuss spoke that the Grinch was able to figure out this simple truth.

I ask each of you to take a moment some time this Christmas to think about just how blessed you truly are. God gave us LIFE to live and enjoy, we have love of family and friendship to keep us grounded in what is real. God then gave us a even greater gift, Christ our Lord. Through him we can directly touch the hand of God. We must be aware of how blessed and wonderful our lives can truly be. Look to the night sky and wonder to your self which star shown most bright leading the wise men to Bethlehem to witness our new born savior.

In my short 32 years, I’ve journeyed to the City of David, I’ve prayed at the Wailing Wall Jerusalem, and I’ve walked the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and the Dead Sea. I’ve loved and lost and learned to love again, I’ve seen American power in action, and I’ve seen the miracal of birth. I’ve seen humans walk in space, and on the bottom of the deepest oceans. I experienced so much that if I were to die tomorrow I could rest easy that I’ve already enjoyed a life worth living. My dear friends, LIVE each day to the fullest, love with out hesitation, and give thanks to God from whom all blessing come.

During this season of joy and hope, when the family of God comes together to celebrate the birth of Christ, I can’t help but feel so blessed in the world. In the things that actually matter, I am wealthy beyond my wildest dreams. I enjoy such blessing of family, and friends who unconditionally love me. I love you all with all my heart and am honored to have you to share my life with. All my love,

Merry Christmas

-Wright Daniel