2017

          I don’t know about you, but it’s through the simple things in life that God speaks to me … in the beauty of a sunset, or the smile on a child’s face. It’s in those times that we can realize that heaven’s message is close by.

          I want to tell you about a problem I have when it comes to the traditional reading of the biblical Christmas story. On the surface, it seems like such a small issue. But when you really think about it, it’s pretty significant. 

           A department store put a Nativity scene in one of its display windows one Christmas. As a window-shopping couple walked by, the gentleman said to his wife, “Look there! The church is trying to take over Christmas now!”  

          Now that the busyness of the season is in full swing, it’s difficult to believe, but we know that in two weeks-time we will be back to reality. The feelings of “peace on Earth, goodwill to men,” will be long forgotten as we navigate rush hour traffic. The Christmas Spirit will fade, replaced by a strong dose of reality – bills, health concerns, a steady stream of bad news in our neighborhoods and nation and around the world.