The entrance of a human being into this world has long provided occasion for celebration. It offers opportunity to comment on the significance and influence of the life being celebrated, especially as it pertains to those who know him.

Dec. 25 provides such occasion. Permit me, if you would, to share some thoughts about this person.

Early in my life, I had heard about you. Your name was tossed about and used for all sorts of occasions, both to bless and to curse. I found it odd that of all the men of history, only yours was uttered.

Eventually, I also came to use it as a vehicle of ridicule and frustration. It seemed to help. At other times, I noticed men referred to you as some kind of authority. But I gave you little thought. To be honest, you just didn’t matter.

Then one day (I believe I was 21), some people whose opinion I respected introduced you to me. Looking back, it’s when things started to change. There was just something about meeting you that started working on me. Kind of like ice melting.

As the years went on, my times with you were sometimes good and sometimes bad. I’m not sure why you always stuck around, but today is a good day to tell you I’m glad you did.

I’ve learned some amazing things about you since then. Your influence on others is simply remarkable! Hospitals, schools and colleges have been started in your name. Millions of hungry stomachs have been filled because of your influence.

You have been the inspiration for countless plays, books, pictures, sculptures, architectural designs, songs and symphonies. On your precepts were governments formed and nations founded.

Our sense of justice comes from what you said was just. Our idea of goodness flows from your definition of what is good. You have given hope in hopeless situations and given people a reason to live.

Your capacity to love is astounding. Even when people are not loved by others and don’t love themselves, you somehow embrace them. I know this, for I have experienced it.

You have been a friend, a confidant, a brother. You have talked with me for hours and sat with me in silence. You have hurt with me, laughed with me and cried with me.

Somehow you reached down through the darkness and muddiness of my own heart, grabbed the essence of my being and would not let go. You did this not just for me, but for many others, for I have heard their stories.

It therefore seems overwhelmingly fitting to join my voice to the chorus of human history in saying that on this day, Dec. 25, we are glad that you were born.

Rex Alphin is a farmer, businessman and contributing columnist for The Tidewater News. His e-mail address is rexalphin@aol.com.