Seeking warmth in a cold world, three days 'til Christmas

"Promise of Warmth," 5 x 7 watercolor Christmas card

It's a cold, bitter world this week, these days, this year. 

Weather, war, hatred, hunger, poverty, violence, disease, sickness, suffering, intolerance, injustice, crime, corruption, homelessness, bloated and uncaring institutions--the list grows day by day, around the world, knowing no boundaries or borders.

Nothing has really changed since 2,000 years ago , except the extent and volume of an exploding population and decaying planet.

Yet, in the midst of all those insurmountable odds,  there came warmth and hope, hope for the sufferers, for the needy,  for those who were journeying, seeking real warmth, trying to survive the cold, bitter world.

With three days 'til Christmas read the warmth of the Beatitudes, thinking of  He who brought warmth to the world, and who they were spoken for:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the Earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called the Sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."