The Holidays

I absolutely love Christmas time.  I love everything about it. I love the lights, the cookies, the parties, the presents, the family time, the music, all of it. I love that everyone is a little kinder to one another during this season. Christian or Jew, Atheist, or whatever, everyone is just kinder. It is a season when the blinders are less effective.  It is harder to just go about your business.  I grew up in an area where EVERYONE celebrated Christmas.  Lights on every house, traditional Christmas Carols were sung at school, no Happy Holidays-- it was Always Merry Christmas.  I live in LA now, and it is very different.  While not everyone here celebrates Christmas, it is no less fun for me!  I still deck the house out in Candy Cane Lane like splendor.  We sing, we bake, we talk about Jesus, we love Christmas, just like we did when it was what everyone did.  We also get to see what life is like for those who don't celebrate Christmas.  That is interesting too! From what my friends tell me, being a Jew on Christmas is awesome! It is a no pressure, traffic free, line free, day to go have fun! Our Jewish and Atheist friends love the lights, the joy, the time with family and friends, the helping others, just like we Christians do.  I am sure that is pleasing to our Lord.  Loving one another, is important.  Many are giving sacrificially, I am sure that makes God smile.  He does want us all to honor him by acknowledging his sacrifice for us, but he will reach each of us in his own perfect timing.  In the mean time, he cannot be displeased with the love he sees. Praise God for the blessings, for the softened hearts, for the generosity of many in this season. May it stretch throughout the year.