There are many things in this life that, at least for me, are reasons for doubt, spiritual turmoil and personal disappointment – but there is always one thing that is constant for me and that is the hope that I have for mankind brought to me by my faith in God and the redeeming opportunity found in the body and spirit of Jesus Christ.

There is a growing chorus of mankind who say that I am foolish to believe in superstition because God doesn’t exist – but as I observe the actions of men, I see God everywhere.

I saw it last night in the face and body of my most beloved uncle, a man wracked with cancer, a man simply waiting for the inevitable end to the road that all mortals walk. I saw it in the faces of my cousins and their children and grandchildren and the goodness that came from the faith of this man and my aunt who preceded him in passing. To deny God is to deny all of them and the goodness that they represent.

I’m not usually an emotional person but the passing of this man has affected me even more than the passing of my own father this year. I never realized until tonight how much I love him.

There is no fear on my uncle’s face because this was his choice. He wants to meet God on his own terms and in his own time. The Peace of Christ is upon him.

I love my family. Each and every one – and even as I have chased opportunities all over the world and have what is measured in worldly terms as success, I did realize last night that we all will end life the same way, as God was there to give us the spark of life at conception, He is there to greet us as we pass from mortality to immortality.

I do feel sorrow and compassion for the unbelieving chorus because they will never know this peace. They don’t ask for it, do not want it but nonetheless, I wish they knew what I know.

When I get low, somehow there is always something that gives me the courage and energy to push ahead. For me today it was this post by Warden – at where else but AOSHQ:

I don’t know how these next few years will unfold. One thing I am certain of: they will test our individual character greatly.

Are you scared yet? Don’t be. Many of us will arrive on the other side of this mess happier and more spiritually content than we’d ever imagined. Because this moment is an opportunity for those who see it in the correct light.

Here’s something I want you to internalize: All that anger, turmoil and hopelessness you’re experiencing comes from a feeling of helplessness.

But that’s all it is—a feeling. You’re not helpless at all. You only think you are.

Here’s how I know:

Winners win.

At the heart of every conservative’s worldview is this simple truth. You—not your lucky rabbit’s foot, not some cosmic lottery, not your circumstances, your parents, your race, gender, or disability—YOU determine the life you live.

Belief in self-determination is at the very foundation of our ideology. It is why conservatives champion liberty and personal responsibility while rejecting collective guilt, class envy, tribalism and victim-hood. It’s what defines us. It’s what we believe and it’s who we are.

Read it all, it is something that I wish that I had written.

I need a break. I need some offline family time to remind me of what is important.

I’m going to sign off for a bit but before I do go dark for a bit, I want to leave you with this wish for mankind from Chapter 2 of the Gospel of Luke:

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

…and unto you is born this day…Praise be to God Almighty.

This is my wish for all of you – whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Deist, all of you – even professors of “journalism” – for a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.