In one of his most memorable holiday recordings, Elvis asks a poignant question. “Why can’t every day be like Christmas?” It is a good and valid question as we look at the times in which we live. These are tough times for many, and some would even go as far as to say that these are faithless times at that. This writer would disagree, and I would venture to say that Christmas is here to stay as long as we allow it to.

The message of Christmas is riddled with the theme of peace on Earth and goodwill to men. These are not concepts that must be lived once a year. These are life principles that can not only follow our lives every day but can also enrich both mind and heart throughout every time we face. Again, as we look at the meaning of Christmas and the first true Gift of Christmas we find that another key element is love. This is an unconditional love that spreads from the Baby of the Nativity to the entirety of mankind. This, too, can walk with us and empower us to carry out the task of creating peace.

Ultimately, if we truly want Christmas to last every day in the hearts of those living in these times it is up to each and every one of us to live by the principles set forth. To make it happen requires us to only do one thing – a good and caring deed for another. And then it becomes a chain reaction as one good deed deserves another and another and another.

Elvis finishes the song with the statement, “What a wonderful world this would be.” Indeed this is correct. If we can put aside so many of the negative things in life and can pick up and retain the messages of Christmas we can learn of peace and if we can learn of it we can obtain it with some hard work. They are timeless and they are correct in every particular. As we walk day by day may we be challenged to not only remember the message of Christmas, but also to live it to bring the wonderful back to a world that needs it.