A Christmas Gift       Dec 31, 1997

Today is the last day of the year. 8 Days of Hanukkah and Kwanza are over. 12 Days of Christmas still have 5 days to go. I officially end my Holiday Jokes run with a special poem.

As many of you know, I am not Christian. (I am a Conservative Jew, for the curious ones.) However, one doesn't have to be a Christian to understand and appreciate the poem below. Whether one believes in Jesus or Buddha, Mohammed or G-d of the old Testament, it is not important. What's important is for one to live a good, productive, and spiritual life without stepping of toes of all the people around you. When someone says, "If you're not with us (in religion, politics, or anything else), you're against us!" I have flashbacks of the horrors of Communism, Fascism, and modern-day terrorists in my mind. Personally, I do NOT respect fanatics in anything, my religion included.

I will end my little 'sermon' with a wishful thought: If you are at peace with yourself, nothing else matters. As the Vulcans say it in my much beloved series, "Live long and prosper." Btw, a raised palm with four fingers separated in the middle making a "V" (a la Mr. Spock) is an old Jewish symbol. If you're ever in a synagogue during a blessing, peak at the rabbi's hands.... You'll see those "Vulcan" signs right there! {bg}

Thanks for listening! I'll get back to the joke business on January 2nd!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Irene Ariel (Liorah) Mystery,
aka LadyHawke, aka The Joke Mistress!
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Twas the first Christmas and all gifts had been opened save one,
All exclaimed I thought all were given and we were done,
A curious tag was found on the last present man was to receive,
From G-d to all my children who have faith and believe.

The smallest child was given the gift to see what G-d was giving,
This had to be the greatest gift ever seen by anyone living,
And yet when opened the box was all empty and bare,
Is this a cruel joke they shouted It tis not fair.

And then in the midst of all mankind a heavenly host did appear,
Many were scared but they said we come from G-d to not fear.
This gift you cannot see is G-d's greatest gift to mankind,
For this gift you cannot see is love and friendship for all to find.

Friendship to bind kindred spirits so they are never apart,
For true friendship has no end once it does start.
Many a hard mile that man travels will be eased by a friend,
A true friend is one on which you can always depend.

Love to bind friends and family through times both easy and hard,
Lust dies with time but true love you will never discard.
Love is the bridge that spans differences in you and me,
We are not always alike but still we respect each others right to be.

A feeling of peace and contentment filled the hearts of all,
With this gift man had been raised to heights from where he would never fall.
Remember at this season where G-d gave his son so man could have life,
Hold all your friends and family dear and avoid useless strife.

Life is a long road that we must all walk to the end,
The journey is worthwhile with the love of family and friend.
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Thank you to Peter Golden for this spiritual contribution.