Thoughts from Virginia

Posted on December 7, 2018.

    Wow!  It was Thanksgiving for a moment, and then, suddenly, it was get out and do your Christmas shopping and decorating.  This year, weather-wise, even Thanksgiving felt like Christmas.  Brrrr!
    The challenge now is to remember why we observe the holiday known as Christmas.  Few seem to see the word Christ in the word Christmas.
Some thoughts at Christmas time:  
“Tis the season when those who have something to sell bombard us from all
angles -  TV, newspapers, phones - with exhortations to buy, donate, give, and any other way they can convince us to get rid of our hard-earned cash to their benefit.  
Children are especially indulged – is it for the entertainment of the adults?
    We live in a society in which most of the visible citizens have more than they need, indeed, often they have to work at finding additional wants.  We live in a society in which providing Storage Units is a thriving business!
    Interestingly, and fortunately, there are some out there who see the needs of that sub-population of almost invisible folks who actually do live in real need.  Also, interestingly – and unfortunately – there are some out there who play on your guilt-for- abundance to make a profitable business for themselves.  Be careful where your charitable gifts go.
    This is a busy time of the year – all compressed into one month.  Not just with the search for presents.  Many organizations, family groups, old friends and others get together for dining and hugs.  Seasonal concerts and plays attract us for a special time of enjoyment.  Most of us still feel the need to write that annual Christmas letter in our cards that we mail out.  And, for the hosts, the internal compulsion to provide the “perfect” Christmas imposes lots of personal pressure.  
    So, through it all, do we keep our composure, or do we get a little testy?  Can we keep a schedule that allows us to enjoy the season, or are we always feeling in a hurry?  Will we remember that it is Christ’s birthday that we celebrate?
    Join us at Holland Church on Christmas Eve to hear the old, old, true story.

Have a blessed, happy and healthy Christmas.                                                                           Virginia                  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”