Today is a special day, regardless of religion, belief or lack of either because Christmas, more than a religious festival, is a celebration of life. As Augustine of Hippo states:
“Hence it is that He was born on the day which is the shortest in our earthly reckoning and from which subsequent days begin to increase in length. He, therefore, who bent low and lifted us up chose the shortest day, yet the one whence light begins to increase.”
The sun, reaching its lowest point, once more gives way to life, beginning to gain strength until teenagehood in spring, middle age in the summer, beginning of decline in autumn and then eventual death just before Christmas day when life once more begins.
This constant cycle makes today a time of reflection. Whatever political ideology, whatever prejudice, whatever tit for tat, whatever came to be on this day is forgotten and forgiven for we celebrate life itself, our very own existence, this amazing beautiful thing that we have for such a short period.
For bitcoin, this year has been one of the most difficult. A once united and happy community tragically turned against each other in 2015, continuing this year towards a seemingly climax. I hope in the coming year we can bridge our fairly small differences and move forward as one once more.
Will Peace Ever Return?
Some say we cannot have peace on earth. That we are tribal beings. It may be time, however, in this darkest Christmas in living memory, to re-ignite our fiery hope, to bring back our ambitious spirit and declare peace not impossible but an aim we must achieve at all cost. For what is the point of all this destruction, within and outside of bitcoin?
“I am… life: He that believeth in me… shall live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
Darkness is followed by light. The new born sun continues to gain strength, then in spring forms the first green seeds, gradually brightly lightning our days during glorious summer. In bitcoin and outside, this too shall pass. Peace and joy shall once more rise. For we value life and the beauty it provides.
Today, on this holy night, for a brief moment, there is peace on earth. No bullet can be heard. No shot is being fired. Even in Syria, that land which has suffered so much, today can feel peace. For today we celebrate life. Today we have all collectively decided to bring to earth paradise. To be especially nice to each other. To have the best of food. To stay away from what divides us and focus on what makes us all happy.
Merry Christmas.
