A Brief One from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large
December 25th, 2015
I am certainly no monarchist nor do I care to belong to any church that would accept a person like me as member, but I have to bow to a few words Queen Elizabeth II of England shared with the people of her country and other Commonwealth nations, including Canada, this Christmas 2015.
So I am taking a few moments on this Christmas Day to pass them on to you. I think there are some good words here to remember when the voices for greed, hatred and violence seem to over-ride those working to make this world better for all.
“It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year,” said the Queen in her annual Christmas message, “but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. …”
“There’s an old saying that “it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. There are millions of people lighting candles of hope in our world today.”
“Christmas is a good time to be thankful for them, and for all that brings light to our lives.”
To View Queen’s Full 2015 Chrismas message click on =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mzor6Hf1tY .
(NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.)
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Niagara At Large 
I’m no monarchist either, but I’m not exactly apathetic to the British monarchy. The associated heritage, culture, and tourist draw remains of significant value over the centuries, and our New World connection to the throne across the Atlantic is a model of allied trust and mutual respect. As a believer in Christ, I’m happy to celebrate Christmas in my own way, most often away from the crowds and the trappings of both worldly and religious institutions. Membership or subscription in either is usually a formula for an eternal broad highway catastrophe, and at the least a distraction from true personal enlightenment. I prefer to adopt a stance similar to that of the wise man from Belfast, C.S. Lewis, whose logical book “Mere Christianity” has stood steadfastly well since 1952. There is a certain common sense to the Gospel of Jesus Christ which uniquely and persistently draws all yearning souls to peaceful completeness. With that, I wish ALL readers and the good editor Doug Draper a most meaningful Christmas Season and a joyful, healthy, and prosperous 2016.
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