Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year! Too often, we are caught up in "political correctness" and miss the reason for the season. I am proud to wish you true tidings of joy! To my Jewish friends, may the light of the season illuminate your life as bright as the menorah.
December is a busy month preparing for the upcoming 2018 legislative session. I am sponsoring several important pieces of legislation to create jobs, empower a responsible society and be excellent stewards of taxpayer dollars.
For me, Christmas is a day of celebration in remembrance of the Lord giving us His only Son, Jesus Christ. It’s in this spirit that we spend the season preparing for His arrival and giving gifts to others. While we preoccupy ourselves with shopping for the perfect gift for family and friends, we must remember that the best gift we can give is service to another. We can all use a helping hand now and again. Helping a neighbor in need is a responsibility we all share and a premise on which our country was founded. America’s principle of service to others is one of the things that make this country great.
Christmas and Hanukkah is a wonderful time to begin volunteering. Communities across the state host programs and events during the holidays such as food drives, charity auctions and unique events for the elderly or those with special needs. There are many simple ways to give someone the gift of a helping hand. Volunteer at a charity, or give an extra can of food to North Fulton Community Charities. Buy breakfast for a coworker. Send a few extra holiday greeting cards just to show you care. These small gestures of giving may not come wrapped in a box, but they’ll mean more to the recipient than any material possession ever could. I enjoy buying lunch for the car behind me at Chick-fil-A.
Of course, at this time of year, we must remember the true public servants who risk their lives for our own. Thousands of brave men and women in our armed forces, police, fire and EMS will stand guard in the chill of night this Christmas, away from their homes and loved ones. These American patriots deserve our respect and gratitude. At Christmas, sending an email, care package or a letter to a service member stationed overseas is one of the most precious gifts you can give. Pray for safety, and be thankful for the freedoms they protect.
President Calvin Coolidge once said, “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” We must work harder to keep the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the new year. Remember, it’s the gifts of life, love, peace and prosperity that we can share together that are so much more than a present under the tree.
to your business!