Christmas Day!

I love Christmas! As a matter of fact it is almost impossible for me to become upset anytime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is by far my most favorite time of the year. Why? For several reasons. First of all I love the joy that this time of the year brings. The joy of celebrating the birth of the Messiah, the joy of the pageants that so beautifully tell the story of the Christ child, the joy of giving to others, the joy in knowing that even grouchy people seem to warm up a little during this time of the year, the joy of all of the Christmas lights that decorate houses and buildings at this time of year, the joy of our grandsons' anticipation of Christmas morning as they count the days and keep our "Days Until Christmas" blackboard right up to date, the joy of having both of our daughters live so close by, the joy of watching our grandsons grow into fine young men, and the joy of seeing their faces on Christmas morning as they can hardly contain themselves with excitement (a joy that only parents and grandparents can truly feel) and the joy that is felt from a loving family. And...I guess, finally, I love the joy of the gathering around the table for Christmas dinner. In the picture above, in addition to our two daughters, son-in-law, and three grandsons, is my wife's brother and my 90 year old mother. The joy of blessings that only come from above, from a loving and bountiful God...the joy of the best time of the year!

Christmas!

Yesterday, I read with a great deal of interest the most recent data from the Rasmussen Report that 64% of Americans celebrated Christmas as a religious holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. Another 27% celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday, 3% don't have a clue how they celebrate, and only 6% of all Americans do not celebrate Christmas. Now, lets look at that last number again...6% do not celebrate Christmas. If you listen to or read most media outlets you would think that number was 60%. I don't think I have ever seen such a concerted effort to reduce our National Holiday of Christmas to something a group in Washington state called "Winter Solstice." Now really! I also find it absolutely incredulous that anyone...no matter what their belief...would ever be offended by someone wishing them Merry Christmas...a greeting that is offered in love and peace. How could a hope of Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward men ever be construed as anything but uplifting...how could it ever be offensive. Even if someone disavows the birth of a Savior, how can they not be comforted with a wish for their inner peace and goodwill offered by someone with no ill will in mind, but rather reaching out in a spirit of love. For those of us who do celebrate the gift of God's Son let us pray for and love those whose sole intent is to steal our Joy and not let it happen. Remember, God sent his Son for all of us...and all means all even those who continue to "kick against the goad."