This article   was written to celebrate Christmas 2018. It has been circulated widely ( by e-mail) to many of friends and colleagues . Also it has been sent to local newspaper (North Renfrew Times) for publication.

Miracles of Christmas   ( celebrating Christmas 2018 )

With   winter setting in and snow in our backyard it seems that the Christmas is around the corner . With all the Christmas movies on Television, lights and decorations around the town , we are   looking forward to welcome the Santa Clause and enjoy the warmth of his jingle, laughter and joy.

Christmas is coming, with all its frippery and solemnity, its tinsel and hymns.   Our heart is in rhythm with the environment with warmth for our neighbors, colleagues , family and friends.

Christmas bestows magical touch   to our hearts. The celebration of Christmas has gone   global. It has jumped the Christian boundary and have penetrated in all cultures and societies the world over.   The image of Santa Clause delivering   gifts of toys to the kids around the world has mesmerized all.

We all enjoy the festivities and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on this earth.   He was a   personification of divine attributes that lie underlain in a human soul. This coming of Jesus was heralded and anointed by the three wise men from the East . The history of his struggles and ultimate crucifixion is well known and recited many times by his followers and others.

Lord Jesus’ message of   Love Thy Neighbors , Turn your other cheek,   Be warm and compassionate to all, Forgive   yourself and also your enemies   are time-tested messages which , if followed genuinely, can bring all nearer to Godly experience.

Christmas   brings out stories of   miracles experienced in daily lives of faithful . Miracles happen when true and genuine faith is observed   and then trusting Lord to do the helping as and where required.

One can read   “on line ” stories of miracles at Christmas time   –   which are told and described with care and true belief.  Reader’s Digest published in December 2017 issue   some   of these true stories about Christmas miracles from readers   that little details can turn an ordinary Christmas into a cherished   memory.

LINK: https://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/christmas-miracles-true-stories/

I am sure that many of us have   personal story of miracles in our lives and most miracles happen around auspicious time like Christmas.

Remembering the miracles of Christmas is a great way to retain a sense of childlike wonder as we seek to keep the Lord at the center of it all.

On a larger world view   – we see miracles all around us. To my mind, the change of seasons, rising of the sun and moon,   gardens and living creatures all around us   under different conditions/circumstances is a   portrayal of miracles .

If we open our eyes , we can see miracles  affecting our community here in Deep River every day   –   a well run small town with excellent water supply, road systems, garbage collection , Police and Emergency Services etc. These  are well   organized and maintained. We have a fine   hospital, and many recreational activities . The most miraculous happening is excellent volunteering   by town’s citizens for myriad and varied activities.

I am always in wonderment when   I see dedication, commitment, education and training of many coaches of various activities in the Town  – who spend their time with smile to teach, coach and pass on their knowledge to our young and upcoming generation. Long days and week-ends are accepted with care and dedication.

These coaches/teachers are an embodiment of miracles especially when I see such joy and smile on our grandkids’   faces. Day in and day out.

In a broader sense , I have also noted an interesting miracle (sort of) at our Deep River Bridge Club.   Since I started playing in 2007, I have seen transformation in partnerships. There are now many couples who play as partners – a symbol of   love and respect. Of course , friendships are also   developed but when one sees a couple playing together as partners with cool and calmness – it is definitely bordering on a miracle.

The heart is thrilled and joyous that on the eve of 2018 Christmas, we have   some positive news items . The ” ground breaking ” ceremony   was held recently for a New Apartment Development right in the center of the Deep River town.   It seems contract agreement has been tentatively reached between the employer and professional employees at the Chalk River Laboratories. These news items infuse stability in our lives .     Christmas miracles !!

My wife (Jackie Shah) and I wish you all a life full of happy miracles.

Merry Christmas to you and your family . We also wish you all a very Happy Holiday and a successful New Year.