Santa's finishing his cookies
...and a bheer, which I deem an appropriate beverage for this season.
As usually happens at this time, my thoughts veer from the orgy of commercial gain to the real reason I celebrate this time of year. And as always, I feel bad about it, because it really shouldn't be in that order...but I don't suppose I was put on this world to be perfect, nor did I become that way upon being baptized. Add to that that my faith has taken some funny turns in this past year, and that I haven't been writing about much here since I'm likely going to be stopping writing here and starting somewhere else, when I have the chance, which will probably be sometime very early in the coming year...anyway, the whole thing is that I've done my usual Charlie-Brown-wailing-in-the-wings about Christmas until the day itself gets here and I can play Linus and answer myself.
For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
That really is what it's all about.
For my Jewish friends, shalom, always, and for today, enjoy the Chinese food and the movie. For my pagan friends, Blessed Be, and may the Yuletide bring you joy. For my Muslim friends, salaamu aleikum, and may the "Great Eid" just started bring you grace. For my Hindu friends, may you always be led in the Right Path.
For those celebrating Kwanzaa starting tomorrow, may it be a joyous celebration. And for my atheist friends...follow the Jews today, because they know where all the best Chinese restaurants in town are. Trust me on that one.
As for those of my faith, I've already mentioned the "good news" of Jesus Christ, and may we all receive the blessing of His birth.
And for all of us - no exceptions - I wish peace and good will.
Merry Christmas.
As usually happens at this time, my thoughts veer from the orgy of commercial gain to the real reason I celebrate this time of year. And as always, I feel bad about it, because it really shouldn't be in that order...but I don't suppose I was put on this world to be perfect, nor did I become that way upon being baptized. Add to that that my faith has taken some funny turns in this past year, and that I haven't been writing about much here since I'm likely going to be stopping writing here and starting somewhere else, when I have the chance, which will probably be sometime very early in the coming year...anyway, the whole thing is that I've done my usual Charlie-Brown-wailing-in-the-wings about Christmas until the day itself gets here and I can play Linus and answer myself.
For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
That really is what it's all about.
For my Jewish friends, shalom, always, and for today, enjoy the Chinese food and the movie. For my pagan friends, Blessed Be, and may the Yuletide bring you joy. For my Muslim friends, salaamu aleikum, and may the "Great Eid" just started bring you grace. For my Hindu friends, may you always be led in the Right Path.
For those celebrating Kwanzaa starting tomorrow, may it be a joyous celebration. And for my atheist friends...follow the Jews today, because they know where all the best Chinese restaurants in town are. Trust me on that one.
As for those of my faith, I've already mentioned the "good news" of Jesus Christ, and may we all receive the blessing of His birth.
And for all of us - no exceptions - I wish peace and good will.
Merry Christmas.