The holiday spirit is the dominant factor in our human ecology these days. Joy, gifts to the needy, gatherings of friends, colleagues and especially family, fill us with expectation these days. This does not erase poverty, injustice, selfishness, corruption and other social ills we suffer, but reminds us of the valuable things in our lives and what we can achieve if we try.

Christmas is joy because it reminds us that the almighty God became a humble and poor child to save us, sharing the joys and miseries of the human condition, poor among the poor. Without privilege, besides loving, virtuous, and working parents. God’s love, humility and the joy of being all brothers in Jesus, God’s children, is a hope that renews us.

An article in Forbes magazine, based on scientific studies, confirms that this is not empty platitudes, but there is a real, tangible impact in the lives of people and the economy. Frequent attendance to Church increases life expectancy of people in 7 years, while strengthening the immune system and reduces depression and the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs. In youth, it reduces crime, smoking and drugs and improves school performance and high school graduation rate. In adults it also reduces crime, unemployment and dependency on welfare programs. On the positive side, those with religious practice donate more money to charities and volunteer their time to help others.

Reducing costs by reducing crime and prisons, hospitals and services for drug addicts, alcoholics, misfits and the mentally ill, in addition to services that are already covered by charitable organizations is enormous. It also reduces tax rates and insurance premiums. In the United States, religious practice produces economic benefits of 2.6 trillion US dollars annually or 15% of the economy.

All this not to mention that people of faith are on average happier, and the spiritual benefits which are the essential aim of religion. More reasons for those who have faith to rejoice and give thanks to God, and to encourage those who do not have it to seriously consider exploring it, at least for the benefit of the the rest of society.