{"id":4283,"date":"2021-12-20T11:57:41","date_gmt":"2021-12-20T16:57:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highpoint.edu\/parents\/?p=4283"},"modified":"2021-12-22T09:17:13","modified_gmt":"2021-12-22T14:17:13","slug":"a-christmas-wish-from-hpu-president-nido-qubein","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highpoint.edu\/parents\/2021\/12\/a-christmas-wish-from-hpu-president-nido-qubein\/","title":{"rendered":"A Christmas Wish from HPU President Nido Qubein"},"content":{"rendered":"

Enjoy Dr. Nido Qubein\u2019s column, titled \u201cA Christmas Wish,\u201d which was previously published in the Greensboro News & Record on Christmas Day, edited for clarity and context. A timeless message, this thoughtful essay has been printed several times over the years. The pandemic and the challenges brought on by it bring even greater relevance to the themes of gratitude and love. We hope you will enjoy this message that reflects High Point University\u2019s values as a God, family and country school. Please feel welcome to share with your family and friends as you celebrate the season.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My Christmas Wish<\/strong><\/h2>\n

By Dr. Nido R. Qubein, High Point University President<\/p>\n

At this time of year, as we come together to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season, I think of three words: hope, gratitude and love.<\/p>\n

It starts with my first Christmas in the U.S. some five decades ago. I was alone.<\/p>\n

Hope<\/strong><\/h4>\n

I came to America as a teenager from 7,000 miles away with hardly any money in my pocket to attend Mount Olive Junior College in North Carolina.<\/p>\n

As everyone celebrated around me, I boarded a Greyhound bus and tried to sell a reel-to-reel tape of the Christmas story to various radio stations surrounding Mount Olive. I needed the money, but every general manager said no.<\/p>\n

I came away disappointed, but not discouraged. Years later, those very same radio stations that told me \u201cno\u201d said \u201cyes\u201d to buying my personal development program that was broadcast on 100 radio stations from coast to coast.<\/p>\n

So, the lesson learned is none of us should ever give up hope, even when we think hope seems hard to find.<\/p>\n

Gratitude<\/strong><\/h4>\n

During our Annual Veterans Day celebration on the HPU campus, speaker after speaker came to a stage framed by American flags and delivered their take on patriotism and the role they have served.<\/p>\n

Hundreds of HPU students, faculty and staff volunteered, making the event possible. These students represent our future and the collective importance to give.<\/p>\n

The most gratifying reward comes when we give not because we have to, not because someone asks us to, not because we owe it, but rather out of hearts filled with gratitude.<\/p>\n

At HPU, we teach our students the importance of higher learning. But we also teach our students about the need for higher living, this timeless ideal that to whom much is given, much is required to help those around us find joy within.<\/p>\n

We are a country of many religions. That is part of who we are, one of our constitutional rights. That is the bedrock of America.<\/p>\n

But as our Pledge of Allegiance says, we are \u201cone nation under God,\u201d and at HPU, we are a God, family and country school. I will shout that from the highest mountaintop because I believe that, too, is the bedrock of America.<\/p>\n

As an immigrant who became an American citizen decades ago, I\u2019ve experienced firsthand how these fundamental values have made America what it is.<\/p>\n

And I believe we all should be forever grateful because these values have made America one of the most blessed countries.<\/p>\n

Love<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Each year, HPU welcomes some 20,000 people to our campus for our\u00a0annual Christmas Drive, an event we started to help fill everyone\u2019s heart and soul with goodness and joy.<\/p>\n

They see the 24 figures in a life-size Nativity scene just beyond the Hayworth Chapel and hear Christmas carols many know by heart spilling from the speakers on the Kester International Promenade.<\/p>\n

The baby born more than 2,000 years ago in a stable in Bethlehem is the reason for the season. He taught us to love one another.<\/p>\n

He also has taught us that we need to build bridges of love and understanding with one another and not let our preferences or prejudices affect the life-giving bonds we have with one another.<\/p>\n

So, heed the words from Romans 12:10: \u201cLove each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

This holiday season, let love bind us all and surround us throughout the year. When we do that, think of all we can do.<\/p>\n

Together.<\/p>\n

That, my friend, is my holiday wish. I pray that all of us can begin the New Year with hearts filled with hope, gratitude and love.<\/p>\n

Whether it is this week or 2,000 years ago, our value to humanity has always depended on how much of ourselves we give to make the world a better place.<\/p>\n

So, let us begin.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Enjoy Dr. Nido Qubein\u2019s column, titled \u201cA Christmas Wish,\u201d which was previously published in the Greensboro News & Record on Christmas Day, edited for clarity and context. 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