The Gifts for America
In addition to the special individual gifts we exchange among family and friends at Christmas, our great nation provides us, collectively, with an abundance of gifts now, and year-round as well. What follows is by no means a complete “gift” list, but it will serve to get us started at this very special time of the year.
With the occasional exception of California and Canadian wildfires impacting limited U.S. areas, and unlike some other areas of the world, we are continually blessed with clean air and safe drinking water. With the exception of occasional severe storms, we have continuous access to electricity to power our homes and businesses, made possible by America’s abundance of fossil fuels and the likely coming restoration of nuclear energy.
On a community level, we are blessed to have trained and equipped first responders (police-fire-medical) ready, 24-7, to assist our citizens in emergency situations. Banks and other financial institutions are generally available, as are homes for purchase, and rentals nearby. Most communities, more so in larger ones, offer public and private employment opportunities within a reasonable distance from home. Then there are the recreational facilities, entertainment options, festivals, patriotic events, and food availabilities routinely offered within most communities.
Nationally, we are blessed to have a magnificent Constitution providing us with firm separation of powers within our federal government, plus legal/administrative federal/state guidance and the Rule of Law, when all are faithfully observed. In capitalism, we have the world’s best economic system, encouraging creativity, innovation, equality of opportunity, productivity, and profitability. And thanks to that prosperity, Americans generally lead the world each year with giving and compassion. Thankfully for most of us, in addition, we have freedom of religion, again when faithfully observed. We have major modern highways connecting cities and states for ease of vehicle travel, plus train, bus, and plane options. And we have home delivery of mail, magazines, newspapers and packages, rather than a collective pick-up location point.
One of our most important blessings, nationally, is that America’s security and freedom are protected by a world-class military composed of highly trained men and women committed to sacrifice, if called, and ever-dedicated to the defense of our exemplary nation.
Among our most recent national blessings and events, perhaps the very best one possible, was the resounding (re)election of President Trump, and with it, the return to national sanity, security, reality, and refreshing peace of mind that someone clearly capable of strong, effective leadership will soon again be in charge,, amidst the worrisome, aimless haze of these past four years of confusion, fear, and repeated untruths from the administration and others, while facing a seemingly, increasingly, threatening world in turmoil and war.
And perhaps most reassuring and comforting for all of us, in both good times and bad, and especially those Americans of the Christian faith, is the welcome reassurance that we have a Heavenly Father watching over us, through the promise of his blessed son Jesus, who has assured his fervent believers that when our time on earth is finished, we will have and enjoy eternal life in Heaven. That promise is, most assuredly, the greatest gift we could receive and hold during this sacred religious season, and any time the year around. Encouraging news as well is that the current sale of Bibles in the U.S. is running well above recent year levels. Makes one almost wonder if the possibility and promise of the elected Trump future may be a part of that surge in sales of that historic, vital, spiritual book.
Wishing you all, Christians, Jews, and those of all other peaceful faiths, continued good health and great happiness, and a wonderful holiday season, for those of us who are blessed by birth or by naturalization to be Americans living here in this, the absolute greatest nation on earth. While even additional greatness, comfort, and security appear to be just ahead of us, beginning in mid-January 2025!