A very Merry Christmas to everyone at ATIS.  I think one of the lines from my favorite hymn/carol says it all:

Darkness flies, all is bright.

The season stands for the idea that indeed darkness flies, hope is renewed and that God is at hand and among us; real and not temporal.   That which constricts us, the fear the paralyzes us, the sadness of horrible tragedies and missing loved ones; gossip and recrimination's and strong headwinds we encounter in our daily lives are all borne away on the wings of a new child borne in mean estate.  This compels us to see the world half full instead of half empty and to rest our fears, suspicions and anger toward each other.  Those that know me probably realize I am no great Christian, but when I hear that the host of heaven appeared to the shepherds proclaiming:  "Be not afraid, for I bring you glad tidings of great joy", I take notice and find peace, if only for a night.

May great joy follow you and yours this holiday season,

Spencer Yost
ATIS