As we approach the festive season, I feel both grateful and contemplative. I’ve been reflecting on the essence of Christmas and its profound impact on humanity. Amid the hustle and bustle, the decorations and the commercial frenzy that seems to start earlier each year, I find solace in recognizing the seed of good that resides within the heart of this season.

Christmas, a word derived from the union of Christ and mass, carries a significance beyond the glittering lights and Santa Claus folklore. Christ, meaning “anointed one”, represents the anticipated savior sent by God to redeem humankind. While the celebration of his birth has evolved beyond its scriptural origins, the core message endures. The Christmas tradition of gift giving, now often entangled with consumerism, traces its roots back to the Magi presenting precious treasures to the baby Jesus, as recounted in the Bible.

In the whirlwind of commercial expressions—from manger scenes to gold and silver ornaments to the bright stars at the tops of Christmas trees—the unmistakable connection to the biblical narrative persists. This connection serves as a seed, waiting to germinate and blossom into a deeper understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the understanding that He is God’s gift to the world to redeem our sins. Despite the commercialization of the holiday, this seed of good still holds the power to spread the message of redemption, salvation and faith—a beacon amid the consumer-driven chaos.

Christmas is also a collective call for us to love one another, fostering a heightened sense of togetherness as a human family. It’s a time when the involuntary spirit of upliftment envelops us, transcending laws or incentives. Year after year, lives are transformed during the holidays as people reconnect with loved ones and become more caring toward themselves and others.

Natural Awakenings’ recurring December theme, Uplifting Humanity, reflects our magazine’s commitment to contribute meaningfully to the discourse of this busy season. We focus on the qualities that define our best potential as humans—helping, caring and sharing. In our feature article, Carrie Jason delves into “The Grace of Giving and Generosity,” and we profile Dominique Robinson, founder of Rockwell Complete Wellness Center, on her own journey of healing with natural therapies.

While this year has been challenging and uncertain for many of us, it has provided an excellent opportunity to reflect on what matters most in life: our health, our relationships, our environment and our purpose. We hope that Natural Awakenings has inspired you to make positive changes in your lifestyle, to connect with nature and yourself, and to discover new ways to enhance your well-being and happiness.

We also hope that we encourage you to practice generosity and kindness, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year. Generosity isn’t just about giving money or material things; it’s about giving your time, attention, compassion and love. It’s a powerful force that can uplift humanity and create a more peaceful, harmonious world.

In this issue, as always, we’ve curated timely and actionable information to guide you toward a healthier life on a healthy planet. We hope that you’ll find it useful and that your holiday season is filled with meaning, joy and well-being.

Merry Christmas and blessings until next month,