Christmas Really Doesn't Belong to You

      Well . . . we had a marvelous Thanksgiving---the entire family gathered together. Everyone's life was apparently in good and/or acceptable condition. Now, Christmas is looming (14 days left).  Jan and I decided not to buy presents for each other just yet, but to wait awhile, then each to get something each wants. She has been happily purchasing presents for the grandkids (now one great-grandkid) for several days. The holiday period is always a treat for us.

       I can't, however, but have some misgivings as I observe the malicious political climate we have right now, the brokenness I see in so many people all around me for all kinds of reasons, the poverty, the drug and alcohol-induced stupor of so many, the emptiness and hurting, the overwhelming health problems, the moral and general ignorance, and the horrendous evil. Yep. I know. Many---the rosy ones---will say it's not as bad as it seems. But, they're wrong, I'm thinking. It really is as bad, maybe even worse.

       So, where does that leave me?  I'm not sure. Right where I always am, I guess.  Not knowing just how to influence the situation.  Left---just talking; trying to say something sensible in my own way and based upon my seventy years of living that perhaps someone will hear and find helpful. Many would tell me to get up and get out there and do something. I try in my now limited way---have yet to find some larger, benevolent outlet. But, each day that I feel well, I try to touch lives I encounter in a Christian manner . . . and I hope that's enough. Some days I'm simply an old grouch---grunching around uselessly.

      So? . . . so what? Christmas is now just around the corner---a marvelous reminder that Jesus lived our life and suffered our difficulties and waits to receive us in a supernatural, spiritually based configuration (that I won't even speculate about anymore); therein is my hope. It truly isn't logical. There's no common sense in it. It's not emotional---emotions eventually fade or change. Rather, I invite you to accept Jesus Christ into your life---through simple, innocent "faith." Yep. There it is. Be skeptical. Be sarcastic. Be intellectual. Miss the boat. One simply speaks to Him, asks for forgiveness for one's sins, and confesses publicly one's acceptance of Jesus as Lord (one's king) and Savior (the only eternal Out). Then, one can have joy and peace in a more consequential, abiding sense.

      I wish you a Merry Christmas. It's really only merry if you're a Christian, and the holiday really doesn't belong to you unless you're a Christian. Sorry. But, it really doesn't.