This is a follow-on to the Neiman Marcus shopping list I shared yesterday.

What surprised me about the list of lavish gifts is that so many of them involve having an expert go with you or advise you on making the best selection. I cannot imagine how intimidating that would be. Often times, having someone tell me what I should like is challenging.

I appreciate support and assistance but the experts can get a little bossy.

I have a friend who worked in the make-up industry. I had never invited her help, but one day I was “caught” and I let her experiment with make-up. Now, that I think about it, I feel really bad for her. She got out her kit and went to work on my face. The first application was bad. And, the next two only looked worse. In the end, she did a few things and then stepped back and looked at me. I still laugh when I remember what she said, “You still look like you.” Hilarious!!

You know the feeling, the car salesman who tells you what you “must have.” The clothing retailer who comments that you really need to “invest” in your closet. Or, the waiter who comments that “usually” people order the sautéed mushrooms and onions with that particular cut of beef.

I love having experts “help” me, but I start getting a queasy feeling when they go past the “helping” stage to the “telling” stage.

So, let’s agree this year that we are going to be the ones selecting the gifts. If we want help, we will ask for it. (Good luck finding that clerk again.) And, if we want them to select something for us, we will tell them the gender and age of the gift recipient and how much we want to pay. No fair showing us something we cannot afford.

And, if you cannot figure out what to buy, go for the gift card. I mean, who really needs (or wants?) a 6-foot tall garden peacock?

Happy shopping!!

“He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.” (Proverbs 21:17)

When I was a little girl, my pastor would share with the congregation the list of “expensive gifts” that the Neiman Marcus catalogue offered for sale at Christmas time. It was so crazy. The list would include things like matching his and hers helicopters or exotic animals.

So, if you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping for this year, maybe the Neiman Marcus list for this year might be of help:

1. Tanqueray No. Ten Imperial shaker. This 6-foot tall, cock-tail making machine comes with a one-year supply of Tanqueray No. Ten, and an “education session” for up to 20 guests with an expert. Being a non-drinker, this is an easy “no thanks” from me. And, the $35,000 price tag might keep this item off of your shopping list.
2. For $50,000 you can get His and Hers Vilebrequin Quadskis. These vehicles give you the fun of both a jet ski and an ATV. They go from water to land in under five seconds and can accelerate up to 45 mph.   Buy the set and keep one for yourself.
3. Does someone you love need new linens? Spend a mere $55,000 and you get linens for every room in their house, personally selected with the help of Jane Scott Hodges, the founder of Leontine Linens Home Trousseau. And, you thought learning about thread counts was the toughest issue for selecting sheets!
4. For $65,000 you can get a 6-foot “glorious garden peacock” made of seasonal plantings and silk flowers. (It comes with a 10-foot long tail.) Or, go for the inside the house 3-foot version for only $25,000. Do worries, event planner Preston Bailey will come to your house to set it up. (“What??” You say. “SILK flowers??”)
5. Up your spending to $95,000 and you get the 100^th anniversary limited-edition Maserati Ghibli S Q4. It hits 60 mph in 47 seconds and has all-wheel drive. Sorry, I didn’t find the info on the city and highway MPG.
6. Looking for jewelry? Spend $100,000 and you will spend three days in Germany with Monica Rich Kosann, a jewelry designer and photographer. She will select a stone and collaborate with you to great a one-of-a-kind locket. Not sure if the price includes a tip for Monica or not.
7. Want to go in with friends on a shared gift? $125,000 buys a five-day “adventure” for you and five couples to Mardi Gras. The gift includes private tours of local art galleries, special dinners and a black tie ball. You also get to ride a float in one of the parades.
8. Ok, I really don’t get this one; you may. For $300,000, a 1:32 scale model will be built of your favorite auto racing track. The model includes track cameras that display on mini screens the races that you and your friends have. Racing “legends” will co-host your inaugural racing party.
9. For $425,000 you can buy the “celebrity” experience for that loved one. The weekend of the Oscars, the two of you will stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel for three nights, eat at some amazing places, and then attend “The Vanity Fair Party” where you get to mix with Hollywood elite. (The write-up on this one says “Pack your gown and tux”; guess those are not included!)
10. Last, you can spend $475,000 for the creation of your own personal scent developed during an extraordinary trip to Paris. A few months later, you get in the mail “24 14-karat gold-gilded six-liter flagons and 12 14-karat gold-accented leather atomizers” with your new scent. Amazing!

OK, just thinking about this level of shopping wears me out. More on this subject tomorrow.

In the meantime, think on this amazing scripture: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

p.s. “These things” does not mean the 10 gift ideas listed above!

Yesterday turned out like nothing like what I had planned. Well, that’s not exactly right, I did plan to get up, go to church, help some friends move, come home and go to bed and I did those things. But, I could never have imagined all that happened.

It started on Saturday when a friend called. They knew of an 8^th grade boy who wanted to attend our church and asked if I could make transportation arrangements. I said “yes” immediately and was excited about seeing him. John and I got up earlier than usual and I left to find the address. I expected to see a sullen kid, looking for a way to get away from home for a few hours. Instead, I met this amazing young man. He was kind and helpful and delightful. Surprise number one!

Then, I ran into a wonderful sister I had not expected to see. It was great to catch up on our Thanksgiving holidays apart. What a blessing. Surprise number two!

We were thrilled to sing with a friend we had been apart from for several months. Surprise number three!

The Advent candles were set up on the platform for both services but no arrangements had been made regarding how they would be introduced during worship. John and I were volunteered and I was able to use the scripture from yesterday’s blog (Micah 7:7). It was a blessing to be the ones to share the meaning of the first Sunday of Advent. Surprise number four!

I have been fighting a cold. And, a dear friend brought a bag with all of the ingredients I needed to make her home remedy for colds. She knew that I needed some help and decided to bless me with the goodies. Surprise number five!

After church and delivering the young man back home, we had to hurry to get to our friends’ house to help with the move – no time for lunch. But, we were able to run by a convenience store. John found a wonderful sandwich and I found my favorite little bags of peanuts – lunch! Surprise number six!

We got to the house and the belongings were squeezed into the five vehicles and trailer that were available. But, it all fit; we could do this in one trip. Surprise number seven!

Upon arriving at the new home, we were curious when we saw a work truck outside. The house wasn’t ready for occupancy; we were not going to be able to move them in today. Our friends were terribly disappointed and frustrated. Surprise number eight wasn’t a good surprise. It was hard to watch these young adults go through this unexpected struggle. But, we prayed together and knew that God would lead. No surprise there: When life throws us a curve ball, God is always prepared. I made a quick call to the storage company we use and learned that a perfect unit was available. Surprise number nine!

Rather than unpacking at the new home, we unpacked at the storage location. The manager gave us a reduced rate. Surprise number ten! And, again, everything that needed to be stored fit – just fit! Surprise number eleven!

While we were headed home, a friend called and asked if at a military retirement ceremony this Friday, would John do the invocation and would I sing the national anthem? Oh course we would help out! (And, my other friend’s remedy for colds will come in handy!) Surprise number twelve!

Nope, yesterday was nothing like what we had planned; it was much better.

Sometimes, the holidays require us to “go with the flow!” But, take it in stride. I mean, what kid wouldn’t want a day where lunch is peanuts and dinner is take out from Whataburger! (Just don’t tell my doc!)

“He guides the humble what is right and teaches them His way.” (Psalm 25:9)

Today is the first Sunday of the Advent season. Earlier this season I shared a little about what Advent is and how you might want to prepare for Christmas by lighting Advent candles. You’ll find that information in the blog “An Advent wreath this year?”  (https://wegathertogether14.com/2014/11/24/an-advent-wreath-this-year/)

On this Sunday, our focus is “hope.”

We use this word so easily. “I hope that I lose weight.” “I hope that my team wins.” “I hope that the sale item is still in the store when I get there.” Our casual use of the word hope cheapens it and changes its meaning.

Hope is powerful. The hope of the Advent Season is the promise of the Messiah, the promise of a Savior, the promise of the second coming of Christ. And, at that second coming, we will see God as He is and He will welcome His children to His eternal home.

Is that hope of the second coming a little distant for you today? Do you need hope for the pressures of this world, of your current situation? Let me share the story of the great American author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. You will remember him from that American history class you took years ago. He wrote “Paul Revere’s Ride” and “The Song of Hiawatha.”

Longfellow was a poet; he stood against slavery; and, he had a hard life. His first wife died in childbirth and in the years following her death he struggled to find purpose. He was surprised to fall in love a second time. He and his second wife, Francis, had six children and were incredibly happy. Then, the impossible happened. While curling her daughter’s hair, a spark landed on Francis’ dress and started a terrible fire. Henry tried to put out flames with a carpet but was successful only after too much damage had been done. The day after the fire, Francis died.  And, Longfellow was so badly burned that he was unable to attend her funeral; he wore a beard the rest of his life, hiding his horrific physical scars.

A short time after the death of Francis their oldest son, Charles, announced that he wanted to join the Union army to advance the war against slavery. Longfellow said no; it was too soon after the death of Francis. But Charles went anyway. Within a year he was injured in battle and later died from infection of the wound.

It was on December 25, 1864, not long after the deaths of Francis and Charles, that Longfellow wrote the poem “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Think about his situation for a minute. In spite of his sorrow, his pain, and the sadness of the Civil War, the Christmas bells on churches in his community of Cambridge, Massachusetts rang out.

Although our stories are different, we understand his frustration. For, when we are struggling, the world goes on, seeming to mock us. We hear the Christmas carols and secular Christmas songs and we wish that the sound would stop – we begin to hate the very sounds that are intended to bring us joy.  We shy away from those who want to “cheer us up.”  But, if we listen carefully we will hear the hope of the Lord.  God, Himself, reaches out to our spirits and whispers, “Child, I am here.  Hope in me and not in the things of this world.”

Longfellow’s poem ends with the most beautiful words – words of hope. God knows all about our pain, our struggles. In spite of where we are, God knows where we can be. He gives hope in the midst of darkness. Today, on this first Sunday of Advent, join Longfellow in seeing the hope that is ours if we only accept it.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas Day their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom, had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day, a voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black accursed mouth the cannon thundered in the South, and with the sound the carols drowned of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent the hearth-stones of a continent, and made forlorn the households born of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head; “There is no peace on earth,” I said; “For hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead; nor doth he sleep! The Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men!”

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”  (Micah 7:7)

Yesterday, John and I went to the Navy vs. University of South Alabama (USA) football game. It was exciting – Navy ensured the win in the last 40 seconds of the game. From my perspective, the USA fans and game officials could not have been nicer to us. And, the Navy fans could not have been more cordial throughout the game.

It was fun to watch the officials respond to the Navy crowd. There is a tradition that when Navy scores points, midshipmen run to the end zone and do as many push-ups as Navy has points. As this wasn’t possible, a couple of Navy alumni did push ups against the front rail of the stands. The officials didn’t notice this activity until the second half and then they watched, loved it and told others on the field what was going on. At the end of the game, when the USA school song was sung, the Navy crowd faced the USA fans and stood quietly and respectfully. As the Navy team and fans sang “Navy Blue and Gold,” the officials who had enjoyed the push-up demonstrations, looked in awe as the Navy fans remained in the stands (that were still full 10 minutes after the game was over), sang their school song, cheered the competitors and then conducted an orderly progression to the parking lot.

I am hoping for such good behavior at the game we will be watching (on television) today: the University of Florida vs Florida State University (FSU) game. (John completed his first masters’ degree at Florida and I completed my doctorate at FSU. It’s a game that we watch every year and one of us will be disappointed at the results.)

I know that I am stating the obvious, but college football fans and players do not always demonstrate good sportsmanship.

College football is big here in the South.  Like basketball in the Midwest, you can find stores empty on big game days.  There are parties and football pools and stores run sales of school-related clothing.  College football brings people together.  But, it can also divide them too.

So, as we gather together around the big screen TV this year to cheer on our favorite team, what are we teaching the next generation?  Or, in other words, does my faith shine even when I am cheering on my Noles?  Our activities as fans merit review. Do our words, our actions, our emotions reflect good sportsmanship or are we cheering for the wrong reasons?

I liked what the baseball great, Mickey Mantle, said: “After I hit a home run I had a habit of running the bases with my head down. I figured the pitcher already felt bad enough without me showing him up rounding the bases.

OK, it’s time to put the chili on and get ready for the game.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  (Philippians 4:13)

It is the day after Thanksgiving and I have not started my Christmas shopping. Apparently, I am far behind many of you. Predictions were that 26.5 million Americans not only ate Thanksgiving dinner yesterday but did some holiday shopping as well. And, more will be out today, on “Black Friday,” or dong their shopping online on “Cyber Monday.”

I don’t hate shopping; I enjoy watching the professionals at work. Their skills in finding the best deals and in planning their shopping excursions astound me.

When I am shopping, I resemble one of three states:

• Focused. In this case I am moving fast with a list held tightly in my left hand. This strategy works well early in the shopping season.
• Lost. This is when I am really not shopping but am simply wandering around. John and I were in an Omaha shopping mall when two teenage girls quickly walked around us. One snorted to the other, “I think that we were just passed by snails.” (We still love that line and try to work it into the conversation when we are in a crowd.)
• Clueless. You will see me acting like this late in the season if I need to buy “just one more” gift. I find myself attracted to whatever is on the end of the aisle or in the store window.

One of my favorite shopping stories featured a young girl who was in my Sunday School class. She was about 5 when she and her mom were in a clothing store. A rather large woman passed by them, carrying on a hanger a dress for a grade school girl. My sweet little friend, looked at the woman and looked at the dress and announced loudly, “That’s not going to fit you.” Luckily, the woman smiled and nodded, replying “You are probably right.” That woman had the right attitude!

So, as you think about starting (or continuing) Christmas shopping, don’t forget that it isn’t just about doing the buying. Giving of ourselves to those we love benefits us. I love the line from the prayer of Saint Francis: “For it is in giving that we receive.” Remember that in giving a gift, we can bring the peace of Christ to others.

The Prayer of Saint Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, harmony;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

 Amen.

I had written my blog for today and then decided late yesterday that it isn’t right. Instead of a story about what my family had to eat on Thanksgiving, I am going to do what many of us will do around tables today: share some of the things for which I am thankful.

This isn’t the list of the most important things or people in my life, but of some of the acts of kindness that I might miss if I forget to look for them.

• I am thankful for Faith. She worked at our local Tom Thumb before getting a new job this year. She thanked me when I told her that I was praying for her during her high risk pregnancy. She was so dear about the Bible story book and baby blanket we gave to her. Most importantly, she never criticized my over indulgence in diet Coke. I still remember her in my prayers.
• I appreciate Ruth at the storage unit place. I called her many times to report that the elevator was out-of-order and she smiled every time she left her office to come over and reset it for me.
• I could not have gotten through this year without Patrick, the man who manages the place where we park our 5^th wheel. He lost his wife this year and, in spite of that, is always helpful and hopeful.
• Where would I be without the Tuesday night and Wednesday morning PCN Bible studies? Ladies, you rock! The same is true for the members of The 6 7 8 Project. I have learned so much from those middle-schoolers.
• I am thankful for all of those who helped us on our trip to Peru. Sherri was so sweet, learning a new job while working on our travel itinerary that was more complicated than that of anyone else in our group.
• All of the people we met this year helping our after the spring floods were wonderful to us, responding with great patience as I would ask the same question over and over again. (Although I still don’t understand why we needed three sets of government inspectors to say, “Yep, it’s wet.”)
• I appreciate all who read my blogs. You take time to not only read my words but to understand what I mean to say, ignoring my errors.
• Everyone at the new doctors’ offices we visited were wonderful. Each had a sense of humor – a trait so welcome during stressful times.
• The people at Van’s Nails are all dear friends even though I understand little of what they say. They work so hard at speaking English and in doing their jobs. I am always impressed.
• I appreciate the clerk at the library who carefully counts the CDs in the audio books I check out. She has learning challenges and is so attentive to her work.
• Angi is so wonderful.  Even though we see each other face-to-face only every five of six weeks, so always remembers my stories of the past.  And, she doesn’t seem to mind that I never seem to have my hair look as wonderfully as it does when I say goodbye to her.
• The gentleman who always smiles while we are singing songs of praise at church makes my week brighter. And, the couple who sit up front, their eyes tearing up at the words of worship make me think more carefully about what those words mean.
• There is a dear lady at the locally owned pharmacy we use. She is precious and always has the right thing to say. She knows my name and I do not know hers.

I thank God for the love of family and friends. But, I also thank Him for the love and patience and grace shared with me by so many others. Look around you. There are saints serving in every area of our lives.

Sometimes I feel a little like the man on the road who was benefited by the “Good Samaritan.” I deserve not the assistance of strangers, but I am so thankful for their help.

Read the story of the Good Samaritan at: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A26-37&version=NIV

Tomorrow, American’s will celebrate a holiday that is uniquely American, well, almost uniquely American.

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving, although their holiday is earlier in the year than ours. They celebrate the harvest (which takes place before most American crops) and the Canadian Thanksgiving is not a national holiday.

The country of Liberia celebrates Thanksgiving. This country has many traditions carried home by those freed from slavery in America and returned to the African continent. Instead of a roasted turkey, their meal features a roasted chicken; many go to church, thanking God for His blessings.

And, Norfolk Island (famous for its inhabitants from the H.M.S. Bounty) celebrates a Thanksgiving much like ours. Their tradition, however, started as a way to help American sailors feel at home while visiting the port so far away from North America. Their featured protein is pork – always a great choice.

But, I didn’t harvest crops this year. I am not a freed slave so thankful to be home. And, I am not in a faraway place looking for something to remind me of home.

I am like most Americans with resources greater than most other citizens of the world know. I sleep in a bed with the room warm or cool, depending on my choice. I will eat a hearty meal tomorrow, provided by the generosity of good friends. My health is good. I have work to do, keeping my heart and my mind active and involved. I do not think about most of these things very often. I take so much for granted.

But, on this single day in the year, my nation has set aside time for us to be grateful.

On this Thanksgiving, I will spend time in prayer. I will thank God for what He has done for me. I will praise His name. I will seek His guidance. I will dedicate this holiday season to learning more about what His love means, what His will is. I will say thank you.

++++++

Luke 17:12-19

As Jesus was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him —and he was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

++++++

Thank you, Lord, for cleansing, for saving, for loving this woman who was once an outcast, carrying sin and burdens that she had put upon herself.

Thank you, Family and Friends, for loving me when I am not very lovable, for listening when my words don’t make any sense, and for being there when I act like I don’t need you.

For all of this, I am eternally thankful.

Jill (Just one of God’s kids)

Forty-five years ago, Wendy’s Hamburgers opened in Columbus, Ohio. When you think of Wendy’s what do you remember: the signature frosty, their claims of “never frozen” and “hot and juicy”, or their amazing French fries? How about the slogan used from 1984 to 1986: “Where’s the beef?”

The phrase became popular when Wendy’s aired commercials that had Clara Peller, an actress in her mid-80’s, shout the catch phrase, “Where’s the beef?” after looking into the sandwich of a Wendy’s competitor. The phrase reminded American’s that Wendy’s offered a 100% beef product and that other hamburgers may not be so pure.

I like my food to be what I think it is; I want food purity. For instance, I want my scallops to be actual scallops, not other types of sea food that is cut into the shape of a scallop.

Purity.

The Puritans (including the Pilgrims) desired to “purify” the Church of England of what they believed was corrupt human doctrine and practices. These people sought out a new place to practice what they believed was right. Now, I know that we could argue that the Puritans were not perfect people. Neither are we.

Here’s my question for today: have I allowed things or ideas or beliefs into places that should be pure? Maybe I need to “clean up my act” in some areas. Perhaps it is time to give up that habit, eliminate that word from my vocabulary, restore discipline in my spending, refuse to participate in those discussions, remove that reading material from my home or my computer…well, you fill in the blank.

I love Psalm 51. Read it with me as we pray for purity in our lives. (This is from the Contemporary English Version.)

“You are kind, God! Please have pity on me. You are always merciful! Please wipe away my sins. Wash me clean from all of my sin and guilt. I know about my sins, and I cannot forget my terrible guilt. You are really the one I have sinned against; I have disobeyed you and have done wrong. So it is right and fair for you to correct and punish me.

“I have sinned and done wrong since the day I was born. But you want complete honesty, so teach me true wisdom. Wash me with hyssop until I am clean and whiter than snow. Let me be happy and joyful! … Turn your eyes from my sin and cover my guilt. Create pure thoughts in me and make me faithful again. Don’t chase me away from you or take your Holy Spirit away from me.

“Make me as happy as you did when you saved me; make me want to obey! I will teach sinners your Law, and they will return to you. Keep me from any deadly sin. Only you can save me!

“Then I will shout and sing about your power to save. Help me to speak, and I will praise you, Lord. Offerings and sacrifices are not what you want. The way to please you is to feel sorrow deep in our hearts. This is the kind of sacrifice you won’t refuse.”

As we prepare to gather together, let us start with clean and pure hearts and lives.

We can trust the Lord to answer our prayer. He forgives. He restores. He renews. He purifies.

It might be a good idea to take a short break from thinking about Thanksgiving.  You see, next Sunday is the first Sunday of the Advent Season. So, if you are planning to do an Advent Wreath this year, now would be a good time to build a shopping list. Here are the basics:

• An advent wreath or something to hold five candles
• Three purple candles
• One pink candle
• One white candle

Good luck with finding those specific colors. One Christmas we had three green candles, one red candle and one white candle. And, in my picture below, we had four white candles and one red candle. It all works!! Our “wreath” is not a wreath at all, but an old candle display that came down from John’s grandmother.

So, what is the Advent Season? First, the “advent season” isn’t in the Bible; Jesus didn’t direct it during His sermon on the mount. The word “advent” means “coming” or “appearing.” The season was created as a way for Christians to intentionally prepare for Christmas and to begin preparing for the second coming of Jesus. As we go through the four Sundays this year, I’ll spend some time talking about the meaning of each one.

But, today, let’s think about anticipation.

Humans enjoy anticipating happy things. We enjoy looking forward to events and people that are pleasant. If we are tired or unhappy, our ability to anticipate is decreased. So, if you are having a bad time at work, understand that your favorite pumpkin pie might taste a little “off” this year in spite of the baker’s skills. And, what we have experienced in the past will be a filter through which we anticipate a particular event. Have a lousy sushi experience? Your next decision to order sushi or not will be impacted by that first experience.

Sales people know all about the psychology of anticipation and they use that information to influence our buying. They put pictures of happy people on their brochures and ask us to recall only the most pleasant events in our past. No doubt about it, a smiling kid with a friendly dog eating French fries will get us into McDonald’s faster than will a chart listing calorie counts and fat content.

So, how can we anticipate this Christmas when we have had a variety of past holiday experiences, good and bad, and our work or home situation isn’t perfect?

• First, share advent. Bring joy (not stress) to others.
• Maybe you can laugh about “major fail” of last year. Or, maybe the family isn’t quite ready for that conversation yet.
• Forget about the bad Christmases past.
• Put the Christmas of today into perspective. Lessen the pressure on others.
• And, most importantly, look forward to the Great Advent of the future. As you gaze into the advent candles’ flames, think about a future when the world will be put back into balance, when peace shall reign, when Christ will return. Anticipate a place where all that exists is love.

During this Advent Season, let us anticipate the future as we share love today.

“At that time, people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” (Mark 13:26-27)