With Heartfelt Thanks

For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you’ve prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory for your people Israel. Luke 2:30-32

Simeon, an elderly Jewish man patiently waited for years to see the Messiah. While he held the infant Jesus in his arms he uttered this prayer of thanksgiving. He could die in peace having seen his heart’s desire. God’s promise was fulfilled.

I’d like to thank the Jewish people. Without you, there’d be no Christmas. I’m not talking about Santa Claus, shopping frenzies, decorations, carols, stuffed stomachs and emptied wallets. Christmas is really all about Jesus and not the ancillary noise that attempts to drown Him out. I mean no disrespect in doing this but wish to express my heartfelt thanks.

From early on it would have been easier politically, socially and financially to abandon your faith and assimilate into the surrounding cultures. God knows the pressures were there to do so. Instead you’ve suffered ostracism, anti-Semitism and horrific persecution, sometimes at the hands of those claiming to be Christians. For this I am truly sorry. Still you’ve persevered, confident that God is true to His word. You’ve had your share of missteps but the truth embedded in your DNA never dies and always sprouts again.

The term Judeo-Christian gives appropriate first place honor and recognition to the group who laid the foundation for so many aspects of our lives. Your laws provide a framework for people to build a strong, stable society. The Ten Commandments encapsulate guidelines for living. Thank you for giving us and our nation a base to build upon.

As a group you excel in all venues and indeed you should. You have always been and will always be the apple of God’s eye and His chosen people. The world has benefited from your outstanding contributions in business, science, finances, education, medicine, the arts and so forth. Without you we’d be a pretty sorry lot.

Thank you for never surrendering your dream for a homeland. The nation of Israel must survive and thrive. If our nation is wise it will continue to stand and defend its right to exist. Please, hold on to the land God gave you, every square inch. God’s positioned Israel in a strategic place, so hold your ground.

I’d like to close with a blessing from the Chumash.

May Hashem bless you and safeguard you.

May Hashem illuminate His countenance for you and be gracious to you.

              May Hashem lift His countenance to you and establish peace for you.