"Going back as far as August 2021, President Biden and Vice President Harris were “warning” Americans that due to supply chain issues, we shouldn’t expect a very Merry Christmas and to plan accordingly."

"Maybe these shortages are a sign, and a timely one at that, to awaken us to reflect on what’s important, press us to examine our own excesses and outer expression, and instead, to look within. Perhaps it’s a time to get back to our roots, our true heritage of a Christ-centered way of thinking and living within our Judeo-Christian culture that others are intent on eroding and then destroying. Maybe it’s time to put down our smartphones, turn off the television with its hundreds of channels that show little, actual value, and positive contribution to our culture. Let’s plan a meal. Cook with our spouse, our kids, young or old, and let the smell of a home-cooked meal fill the air, tantalize our senses and bring us to the table to break bread, without interruption, and reconsider what’s really important, what really matters.

The only real shortages before us now is a shortage of quality time with those who matter most to us and, a shortage of the recognition of the real reason for the Season; Jesus."

Stephen Xavier is the Communications Director for the NC Values Coalition.