The most familiar expression during this time of year is "Merry Christmas."

Since January 1946, when I returned home from the war in Europe, I've been searching for the true spirit of Christmas carols. And I'm always warmly affected by the anticipation of a pending Christmas, but for some reason, I usually fall short of the mark. Matter of fact, I'm usually on course until Christmas Eve, but I generally wind up depressed or with a hangover when December 25 finally arrives. Why? I don't know, and this has been my dilemma.

This year, however, I decided to put the past behind me and to look at this coming Christmas as though it were my very first. I started by dissecting that all-too-familiar salutation above to see where it might lead me and, though I can't say for sure, I believe I'm onto something. So to all of those would-be, wannabes or dyed-in-the-wool "Bah Humbugs," this is where I find myself.

To begin with, celebrating Christmas is not only for the purpose of paying homage to our Savior's birth, it is also a rekindling of faith and, most important of all, a taste of what our world would be like if all of mankind followed His doctrine of Love.

And in this regard, what better reason is there for being merry if we, as Christians, can keep His eternal flame of love and optimism alive. And what better reward can we hope for than the "Peace on earth, good will to men" that both Christians and non-Christians hope and pray for. In my present state of mind, I believe that being "merry" at Christmas is not as much for what Christmas is today, but for what it could be tomorrow.

In short, Christmas is a celebration of love. And if we didn't put that spirit of love away in mothballs after December 25th, then every day of our lives would be a celebration.

With the coming of the first year of the new millennium, let us never forget that Love is truly a God force. And if this God force prevails, then perhaps this old Mother Earth of ours will finally get the peace and good will it sorely needs.

In any event, I would like to wish all who read this, whether you are a teetotaler or one who enjoys an occasional "cup of kindness," a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Huntingdon Valley, PA