The following letter was written to one of our readers from a relative serving in the Armed Forces, far away home home.

The Christmas candle in my stateroom flickers as I sit here to write this. Its scent permeates my small room and the little flame holds my gaze as it teaches me something true.

Fires burn all around the world all year long. At Christmas time, we light our candles and gather around our own hearth to share the warmth of the flames and each other. Could it be that all of these flames, everywhere, are of the same essence? I hold a cup of water in my hand, and in so doing, hold a portion of the ancient seas. All small pieces are one with the whole. Just as pure, just as true.

At Christmas, something comes to each of us. The "spirit" we call it, the mood, God’s love. The story tells of unimaginable love and generosity. This story calls us to love and generosity, and the message and spirit that carries it comes to all people everywhere. Like the flames of candles and in fireplaces that burn this time of year, this spirit of love burns bright in the hearts of those open to it - those who make a place for this gift.

So as you all sit around the fire this year, take in the warmth, relish it just as we do every year – but more so this. My candle burns surprisingly bright on the ship, and I light it often.

Of course I wish I could be there with all of you. Christmas in our family was always an amazing time. The memories I have from past years still feed me out here, and the thought of Christmas times to come makes me giddy, like a small Peter in blue feet pajamas running into the living room on Christmas morning. That is the gift of Christmas. That is what stays with me always, but burns particularly brightly this time of year. This is what I hold in me now.

Perhaps, like George Bailey, we’ve been given a great gift; the chance to see what Christmas is like when we can’t all be together. What I’m finding is that Christmas comes no matter what. Christmas is so much more beautiful than I knew, so much more real.

No, this Christmas won’t be the same, but it will be. Like any real living thing, Christmas has many sides, many ways to experience it. This year I’m seeing Christmas from a different side, and the beauty of it still brings a tear to my eye. So,

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU!

Love, Peter

USS Ogden