"So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
War is over over
If you want it
War is over
Now..."
-John Lennon & Yoko Ono
When trying to come up with what I wanted to write for my Christmas blog this year, I was stumped. But then I remembered how I have heard this song on the radio like 5 times in the past 2 days. That's gotta mean something. I have heard this song by the great John Lennon many times over the years but I have never really taken the time to sit down and really read the words. Lennon was a poet. His words were powerful and each one had purpose and meaning behind it. While this song is played only around Christmas time, its message is universal and timeless.
"War is over if you want it." Isn't that wonderful? I think that's just wonderful. Truly. "Another year over and a new one just begun."
Lennon knew that Christmas was, as is so often stated, a time for peace on Earth and good will toward men, and in his own poetic way he wished that same sentiment. However, he also understood that Christmas is a sad time, too. It's a time of year when some families are pulled apart. It's a sad time this year for my family. My papaw, who passed away in March, his birthday was on Christmas Day. Every year my dad's side of the family would have this big party for Christmas/Papaw's Birthday. It was such a fun night and we all looked forward to it. And this year it won't happen. It's hard. Life is sad sometimes, including Christmas time (and in this case, especially Christmas time). But sadness is not to be fixated on. It's not to be dwelt upon. No one in this life ever got anywhere by saying "woe is me." No. Christmas is a time to remember those who have gone on and celebrate the life and peace we still share. Even in his Christmas songs, Lennon still sang about peace. We need it now more than ever.
I hope with all my heart that you keep those dear to you close to you this Christmas, even if it's just in your heart. Tell your loved ones that you love them. Enjoy the holiday and embrace its spirit wholly. Have a very merry Christmas. I hope it's a good one, without any fear. God bless.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.
