Christmas Grace

During a recent after service discussion, our Pastor asked the question; "How will this Advent/Christmas season be different for you this year? Her question was relative to her Advent message series. But as I thought about the question I considered how the current economic crisis will affect most people this year.

For years we have heard the complaint that Christmas has become "too commercial", that most have lost focus of the true meaning and reason for the celebration. We all know that this is true and it truly saddens many. Could it be that the current economic situation may actually be good for our society? Could it be that people will be forced to leave behind the commercial aspect of Christmas and re-discover the spiritual side? Could this be the plan of Him whose birth we celebrate?

I don't believe that God is "punishing" us for any wrong doing. I do believe however that we all need to be humbled from time to time. These are definitely "humbling times" for many.

This Christmas, let's remember the simplicity of the birth of Jesus. Let's rejoice in the fact that we don't have as much money to spend this year so that we may instead focus on the "celebration of life" that was born in a stable.

The attached video was created for use at my church on Christmas Eve. For those of you who are in the area, I hope you will come by either at 5pm or 7:30pm to enjoy the video and the entire service. For those who are far away, please enjoy my electronic Christmas card; "Christmas Grace".
Merry Christmas to all!

Electronic Excuses

I am such a lousy friend.

Two days ago, my best friend celebrated his birthday. And I forgot.

Tom is several years younger than me and I have known him since he was about 8 years old. Despite the age difference we have so much in common that we have been friends for many years.

We share a of love of technology. He always has the latest in smartphones, projection systems, computers etc. There was a time when we would compete for who had the latest and greatest. I finally gave up. He is too quick for me.

So how did I forget his birthday? I blame technology. There was a time when I would take out my trusty Franklin Planner and write down important dates and events. Then several times a day I would turn to the appropriate day page to make notes and would view the reminders. Today, thanks to Tom, I carry a Blackberry. He got one so I had to get one. I keep my calendar on it. Of course as the day moves forward it advances the appointments. So if I have an "all day event" it disapears as the day wears on. Consequently, if I don't take action first thing in the morning, there is a pretty good chance that I will forget about the early reminder.

So you see, it is actually Tom's fault that I forgot his birthday.

Happy belated birthday Tom.

I am such a lousy friend.

Christmas Eating Tips

As we prepare for the greatest holiday of the year, I thought I would share some wisdom pertaining to that favorite holiday past-time...eating

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. if something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple , Pumpkin , Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day ?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over.

Merry Christmas...See you at the gym!