Radio Australia Today Editorial

Another year over. A new one begins in hope

24 December 2009

This is the time that people trot out that perennial musical favourite: John Lennon’s Happy Xmas/War is Over.

That it was actually a Vietnam war protest song is probably lost on many people, because the it has the characteristic Lennon catchiness that makes it a singalong happy song instead of the chant for Nixon and Kissinger to stop bombing the hell out of people on the other side of the world.

Still, it is full of simple wisdom. Things like:

” And so this is Xmas, and what have you done?
Another year over, a new one just begun..”

Yes indeedy, John. Just what have we done? What have we done this year to make the world better. What have we done to make our lives, and the lives of those around us happier? What problems have we fixed?

As I look around some of my friends, I see some of them who are depressed and unhappy; people who find it hard to get up in the morning; people who feel alone.

Then I see other friends who spend a lot of their time supporting these downcast friends; being there to listen; being welcoming and inviting; always helping and loving.

There will always be people who find life hard. It probably has little to do with circumstances, because my sad friends are physically healthy, talented people who don’t do too much of anything to excess. They are just sad, just as there will always be people who are sad at times.

My special friends who show special care for these people are the treat of Jackie and my lives. These caring friends ooze love, and they don’t only do it on Xmas day. These people are always there for the sad ones; they never judge; they never blame; they never belittle; they will never hear a bad word said of anyone.

These are the people who live in the spirit of the great ones who have walked this earth, great ones like the guy we celebrate tomorrow.

Have yourselves a joyful time. Be happy, and share it around if you can.

It’s been great sharing the year with you.

- Phil Kafcaloudes