It's Christmas... CHRISTmas... CHRISTMAS!!!

Christmas is only a few days away.  That’s right, CHRISTmas!!  And so I wish you all a very Merry CHRISTMAS!!  Not “happy holidays”, but CHRISTMAS!!!  I resist the attempt by a morally corrupt, secular (sick-ular?) society of politically correct, holiday usurping, self-centered, my-way-or-the-highway, left-wing, pantywaisted denizens of this world who want to take a Christian celebration and turn it into a non-sectarian, almighty $$-driven (look at the crowds in the stores day in and day out for weeks) excuse for a day off from work.  Given more time I’d tell you what I REALLY think!

As they say, “Jesus IS the reason for the season.”  Like it or not, there wouldn’t be “happy holidays” were it not for Christ.  

A hand down, please, as I step off my soapbox.  At least for the time being.

Tonight we went to Tunica, in Mississippi, to the Gold Strike casino.  We met our good friends and fellow deacon Richard and his lovely wife, June.  They are from my diaconate formation class, the Class of ’99.  This weekend was June’s birthday, so Richard brought her up from Slidell for a few days R&R.  Taking advantage of their proximity, they invited us to meet them for dinner and a show at the casino.  As luck would have it, we weren’t able to get tickets to the show, but we went anyway to have dinner.  It was fabulous, in the grand tradition of casino restaurants.  We all had the prime rib special, and even had desserts (mine was “double dutch chocolate” cake.  M-m-m-m-m!!!).  It was SO good to see them again, and we talked and talked for so long that they ended up missing the show.  While I feel badly that they didn’t make the show, Linda and I truly enjoyed our time with them.  Thank you, Rich and June!!

Richard mentioned something his pastor had said during his sermon this weekend.  He said that while you see the signs, as I mentioned above, that “Jesus is the reason for the season”, actually we, you and I, are the reason for the season, and Jesus is God’s gift to us.  I like that thought.  We should be grateful for the gift, and we should try to keep in mind that all the gift giving that we do for family and friends is nothing when compared to that greatest gift that we have received from a loving Father in heaven.

Holy Name of Mary had their annual Christmas program tonight.  It’s the first one we’ve ever missed in 20 years of having family members participate.  I wish we could have been there.  It was our granddaughter’s first as a participant (she’s in Pre-K), and we hear that she enjoyed the whole experience immensely.

The news just announced that it’s 25 degrees in Memphis.  I get the chills just thinking about it.  Today’s high was only 37!  Still it was a sunny and beautiful winter day.  I hope the sunshine continues through the weekend, but the forecast isn’t cooperating.  Rain, though, no snow predicted.

As I watch the dog sleep and the birds complain about the lights still being on, I realize that it’s time to call it a day.  Merry Christmas and may God bless you with life, love and laughter this Christmas season.  Our love and prayers to all of you! - Dean