And while far fewer people seem to celebrate the inspiration of this holiday, to most it still embodies what it has always embodied. 

Peace. 

Family. 

Love. 

Giving. 

Joy. 

Most either embrace the spirit of the religious message behind those values, or look past the religious message and realize those values are still virtues to be embraced, and to be wished on others as well. 

The Jewish people have one word, one single word, that wraps up all of those values into one: ‘shalom.’ 

In the New Testament, Jesus told his followers to love their enemies, to bless those who persecute, and to turn the other cheek to violence. 

Later on, another charismatic figure said, “In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” 

That was Paul McCartney, and the scripture was Abbey Road. 

It’s up to you to decide which is more sacred in your life. 

The greatest leaders throughout human history have always conveyed that spirit of love and peace. 

Leaders like Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa. 

Leaders like Donald Trump, who preach hatred and intolerance, have always been relegated to the sidelines of history. 

And so it goes. 

Looking back at 2015, we heard story after story of humans being met with violence – either the violence of guns and bombs or the violence of racism and closed borders.

Is it human history devolving? 

No. 

Human history has always been painted with blood. 

And the cycle has only been broken when arms are opened, not closed. 

This Christmas, my wish is that your arms will be open to your family, and to those you don’t know in the slightest. 

It’s really the only way to make sure 2016 is any better than 2015.