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"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
This Christmas, as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus, I find myself reflecting on these words which proclaim the birth of our Savior over 2,000 years ago. Truer words were never spoken, remain applicable in modern day, and should guide our daily lives. Just imagine what peace and goodwill could be accomplished worldwide if each of us performed just one act of random kindness to another each day. Christmas is a time to reflect on the past year and as we approach the New Year, an opportunity exists for change -- a change for the better. Reflect on the mistakes and experiences of the past year, strive to do better, and "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
While this year has been fraught with triumph and tragedy on the national and world stage, West Virginia has remained true to the basic principles of God, family and country. Our leaders have worked tirelessly to keep and preserve these values. As we approach the New Year, we each have a duty to make it a personal goal to spread peace and goodwill toward one another and to the world. The 2024 election year will be historic, monumental and can very well change the trajectory of our Republic. West Virginians have an opportunity to set the tone and trajectory of this election cycle in which we must elect a new president, a new senator and maintain our Republican supermajority in the legislature, not because of the need to control but rather because electing leaders with our core West Virginia values of faith, family and freedom is vital to living in peace and spreading good will.
On Dec. 7, 2023, a news outlet sponsored a round table discussion with West Virginia gubernatorial candidates who accepted the invitation to participate in sharing their visions for the future of our state. As I listened to the exchange between the candidates, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride as each candidate communicated their vision with competence, character, candor and above all, civility. No sharp exchanges, no interruptions, just utter complete professionalism and respect. With authenticity and honesty, each candidate was able to disagree without being disagreeable. The ability to do so speaks to the level of experience and self-confidence within our prospective leaders in West Virginia. The national stage could learn a thing or two from our West Virginia leaders.
But no matter who wins in 2024 or what happens next, rest assured that if each candidate, for whatever office, keeps the spirit of peace and goodwill towards men, perhaps ... just perhaps, the world can in fact be a better place. Elections and campaigns will come and go, someone will win, someone will lose, the sun will rise the day after the election and life will go on. Conducting oneself with competence, character, candor and civility throughout the process is a win-win for all!
As we celebrate Christmas, we hope you'll join us in remembering that Jesus is the reason for this season. Spread peace and goodwill! In 2024, we hope you'll join the state GOP in fighting for conservative leadership from the courthouse to the White House.
Elgine McArdle is the chairwoman of the West Virginia Republican Party. A practicing attorney specializing in family law, McArdle and her husband Jack live in Wheeling.