So This is Christmas.....

Undoubtedly, the best of the "modern classic" Christmas songs include lyrics that promote peace on earth, goodwill toward all, charity for the poor and understanding between races.  In addition, it asks listeners what they did to forward those causes in the previous year--and challenges them to take the spirit of the season into the new year and to be the change that they want to see.

And ironically enough, it was written by an avowed atheist.

I'm talking, of course about John Lennon's Happy Xmas (War Is Over).  The song was released in 1971--at the height of the Vietnam War, the Cold War and Britain's conversion to the nanny state.  Yet the lyrics have the same relevance today.  To make it easier to consider that message, I'll spare you the original version and the warbling of Yoko Ono--and instead present you with a beautiful version by Sarah McLachlan.