I realize that not everyone celebrates Christmas, but I wish the best for all of you during this holiday season. In the midst of all of the hype and activity surrounding this overly commercialized day, I hope that you can rediscover its simple message of joy and hope.
On Christmas Day, I can’t help but think of the final verse of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” which reaffirms that hope: “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep. God is not dead nor doth he sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.”
The first photo below shows my almost completed cross stitch project Festive Cardinal designed by Max Pigeon of Pigeon Coop Designs. The second photo shows the inside of my church, St. Martin de Porres Episcopal Church, during the afternoon of Christmas Eve, when we were practicing the music for the evening service. I tear up a little remembering the congregation in the darkened sanctuary singing Silent Night by candlelight at the Christmas Eve service last night—it is always one of the highlights of Christmas for me.
Merry Christmas to all of you.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Merry Christmas, Michael!
Merry Christmas! We do remember the meaning of Christmas. I hope everyone does too.
I Heard the Bells is one of my favorites. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Michael!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Dear Michael, I don’t comment on your beautiful photographs much these days, but I always enjoy them. Your new hobby of cross-stitch reminds me of my mother, who took up crewel embroidery and then bargello in her later years. Your little festive cardinal is a joy! Wishing you a peaceful New Year,
Nina
Thanks so much, Nina. My “new” cross stitching hobby is a actually a return to it after taking a 20+ year break from it. Photography and stitching both take a lot of time, but they both are ways to express myself creatively. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2026.
All beautiful and heartwarming, mike. Thanks for sharing. Love and compassi
Merry Christmas, Mike!
Mike I totally agree too much about what’s under the tree and not who we are celebrating. Your Cardinal is gorgeous! Well done. I am also moved to tears with many of the songs sung in America’s houses of worship. Merry Christmas