Moonshadow's Yule Message

Round about this time of year people start asking me what I want for Christmas? The answer I give.."I don't celebrate Christmas, I'm Pagan, I celebrate Yule... but if you must give me something then Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all would be lovely" brings the usual, "Yes, very nice sentiment but what do you REALLY want? I can't buy you goodwill or peace on earth!" can I?" type of response. There are so many religions, cultures and customs in the world, yet we still sweep along with the commercialism that manufacturers tell us is the season (or should that be reason?) for giving. As wars rage all over the World it seems no one person can give me what I would truly like to receive.

Most strangers are shocked when I introduce myself as a witch and say I'm Pagan, I suddenly grow a third head, and they begin to look for my broomstick! But that's for a wholey different article ::grins::
Pagan or not, wherever you go, the Christian celebrations and values impose their icy fingers and there is no getting away from their "traditional" festivities. If you choose to not take part then your choice is met with ridicule, you're a Scrooge, antisocial, a party pooper or heaven forbid a witch worshipping nature! ::Cackles heartily::

Here in our household we celebrate Yule, but it is our own unique adaptation of it, incorporating a lot of what I used to when I was a good few years younger than I am now, wrapped up in the things that I still do believe about mankind and this season. ::Sighs:: I will continue to believe in the goodness of man until my last breath, for without hope what are we? Our celebrations are given over to the Lord and Lady, we celebrate humanity and nature, topped with a liberal dusting of love, light and peace. A lot of what we do looks christian to those not in the know, but that's only because the christians poached the Pagan way and turned it into what they wanted long ago. However Pagans were around celebrating Yule long before Christians decided to make the theme be the celebration of the birth of one child, any excuse for a party huh? It always struck me as odd that the Christian focus is on one person when the world turns and is full of people, animals and nature lots more to be grateful for in my humble opinion.

So as Pagan's, instead of focusing on the birth of one child, we celebrate the joy of life, the return of light and warmth to the world and we wish for of caring, compassion and hope for the future. Each year I dream that this will be the year my wish comes true and there will be an end to war, anger, hatred, famine, greed and hypocrisy, and all the other negative aspects of humanity. I'm not fool enough to lose sight of the fact that there can be no light without dark but it's a beautiful thought isn't it? Can you imagine a world with no pain, no sorrow and a fair deal for everyone?

For a few brief moments at this time of year, all around the world the dream becomes a reality. I've seen grown men hug their fathers when any other time of the year they wouldn't. I've seen sworn enemies reach out and clasp hands, and forgetting their differences sing Auld Langs Syne. I've even seen people give freely to someone who there but for the grace of whatever deity they believe in could be them. But a few moments later it fades, I'm sure these people truly intend to keep up with the good intentions, but something far more important always crops up.
So with this in mind I want to tell you a story, the text has been changed to illustrate my own personal view, but it was originally spoken by David Niven in a very old Black & White film called "The Bishop's Wife" this film shows why the milk of human kindness is more valuable and precious than any gift from the material world and it goes something like this.......

Once upon a midnight clear there was a child's cry, a star blazed over a stable and wise men came with birthday gifts...... We haven't forgotten that night over the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on trees and the sound of bells and with gifts. But especially the gifts, you give me a book, I give you a tie. We forget nobody adult or child. All the stockings are filled, all that is except one and these days we have even forgotten to hang it up. A stocking for humanity, a stocking whose contents cost nothing to buy. For in the rush to fill our cupboards and wrap every parcel we have lost sight of what the true meaning of this season is.  So let us each ask ourselves what we would wish for most, and then let each put in their share, loving kindness, warm hearts and a stretched out hand of tolerance all the shining gifts that make peace on Earth.

So if you still want to give me a gift, phone someone that it would make a difference to, forgive someone, extend a hand of friendship. Tell someone you love them and continue to do so for ever. Make time for a friend, give your patience and understanding. Talk to a stranger, show a child that they have something that they can teach you. Our most precious gifts are our friends and family giving the gift of time in this crazy hectic world is easy and it doesn't need wrapping, unless you give an accompannying hug! And for all those of you with Mum's still on this Earth hug them from me and tell them how much you love them. You never know when they won't be there anymore and all you're left with is memories and 'I wish I...'
Build a better world. I could ask for no better gift. Maybe one day my dream will become a reality, it won't be for want of trying and wishing, everything has to have a beginning maybe this year will be the beginning of a change? If it isn't there's always next year, and the year after... It's called faith people :)

I wish you a very Merry Yule my friends and send hopes that you get all that you wish yourself, to those people I have not met I wish you and yours all you wish for yourselves.

Brightest Yule Blessings ~ Moonshadow