“In Israel, a baby was born, and some celebrated—this baby preached love.”

Through the eyes—and the very souls—of those witnessing and participating in these celebrations of life, of earth, of being, and of the Being who gave us all the brief opportunity to live here and experience life, a common concept was being celebrated: “Thanks be to God.” These pagan rituals, performed in honor of God and in celebration of life, stood in stark contrast to the mourning taking place in a desert a million miles away. In Israel, a baby was born, and some celebrated—this baby preached love.