Although I run a political blog, for now I’m avoiding politics like the plague, with the exception of reading what other bloggers post. In fact, if it weren’t for the political postings of others I wouldn’t have a clue as to what’s going on, which wouldn't be such a bad thing, at least for awhile. It's a matter of sanity and wanting some semblance of peace during this sacred time when we observe the birth of our Lord.
As usual, before Thanksgiving and right after Halloween was over, the commercialization of Christmas began. There’s not much on the boob tube about the real reason for the season, including movies. After we finished with Christmas Dinner I sat down to watch some movies on Hallmark, knowing they would be running Christmas movies all day long. I watched two, which were moving and entertaining, but neither of them had anything to do with the birth of our Savior. I believe the fact that I wasn’t surprised in the least says a lot.
No, I’m not going to even get into the War on Christmas in this post, because it will dampen my spirit and I’m feeling quite pleasant and mellow. I feel at peace right now because I do know who is really in charge and it isn’t any of us, no matter what we think. It isn’t even Obama! LOL!
All that build up and preparation for one short day! WHEW! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone would hold the spirit of Christmas in their hearts all year round? I don’t mean by going out and purchasing items either. I’m talking about being upbeat and pleasant and not walking around with a frown on your face. I see so many people when I do get into town who walk around looking like a living spirit of Doom and Gloom! I want to tell them, “Smile. You’re alive! You aren’t living in a mud hut somewhere scratching for roots to eat! You aren’t living in a place where you might be hauled out of bed in the middle of night and shot! You aren’t crippled up so badly that you can’t get around by yourself without help. Be thankful at least for those things.” But of course I don’t say anything. I would be perceived to be off my rocker. Besides, they may be slightly deranged and I might have my rocker knocked off! That’s another thing… we shouldn’t have to fear saying what’s in our hearts to anyone, stranger or not.
Christmas cheer should be something we hold in our hearts all year round, not only during the Christmas season. I’m going to attempt to hang on to mine, and that’s why I’m avoiding politics for a little longer than just on Christmas day. The nastiness going on in the world is simply too depressing. It’s a matter of self-preservation. So I will visit my blogger friends and risk running into political posts, but it’s not quite as bad as having a newscaster bleat all the bad stuff going on in the world.
To those of you whose blogs I may not have managed to visit to wish you a Merry Christmas, I’m doing it now. MERRY CHRISTMAS! To my Jewish friends I wish you a HAPPY HANUKKAH! To everyone I wish you PEACE OF MIND! All of us who are paying attention to what's going on in this world desperately need it, and it isn't an easy thing to achieve, so it's the best thing I can think of to wish for you.
This picture of our black lab Sweetie was taken on Christmas morning. She's getting a bit gray around the muzzle, but she still knows the joy of playing with her squeaky toys just like she did when she was a pup. She likes to play catch and she loves to fetch. She knows what peace is. We should all be so lucky!
As usual, before Thanksgiving and right after Halloween was over, the commercialization of Christmas began. There’s not much on the boob tube about the real reason for the season, including movies. After we finished with Christmas Dinner I sat down to watch some movies on Hallmark, knowing they would be running Christmas movies all day long. I watched two, which were moving and entertaining, but neither of them had anything to do with the birth of our Savior. I believe the fact that I wasn’t surprised in the least says a lot.
No, I’m not going to even get into the War on Christmas in this post, because it will dampen my spirit and I’m feeling quite pleasant and mellow. I feel at peace right now because I do know who is really in charge and it isn’t any of us, no matter what we think. It isn’t even Obama! LOL!
All that build up and preparation for one short day! WHEW! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone would hold the spirit of Christmas in their hearts all year round? I don’t mean by going out and purchasing items either. I’m talking about being upbeat and pleasant and not walking around with a frown on your face. I see so many people when I do get into town who walk around looking like a living spirit of Doom and Gloom! I want to tell them, “Smile. You’re alive! You aren’t living in a mud hut somewhere scratching for roots to eat! You aren’t living in a place where you might be hauled out of bed in the middle of night and shot! You aren’t crippled up so badly that you can’t get around by yourself without help. Be thankful at least for those things.” But of course I don’t say anything. I would be perceived to be off my rocker. Besides, they may be slightly deranged and I might have my rocker knocked off! That’s another thing… we shouldn’t have to fear saying what’s in our hearts to anyone, stranger or not.
Christmas cheer should be something we hold in our hearts all year round, not only during the Christmas season. I’m going to attempt to hang on to mine, and that’s why I’m avoiding politics for a little longer than just on Christmas day. The nastiness going on in the world is simply too depressing. It’s a matter of self-preservation. So I will visit my blogger friends and risk running into political posts, but it’s not quite as bad as having a newscaster bleat all the bad stuff going on in the world.
To those of you whose blogs I may not have managed to visit to wish you a Merry Christmas, I’m doing it now. MERRY CHRISTMAS! To my Jewish friends I wish you a HAPPY HANUKKAH! To everyone I wish you PEACE OF MIND! All of us who are paying attention to what's going on in this world desperately need it, and it isn't an easy thing to achieve, so it's the best thing I can think of to wish for you.
This picture of our black lab Sweetie was taken on Christmas morning. She's getting a bit gray around the muzzle, but she still knows the joy of playing with her squeaky toys just like she did when she was a pup. She likes to play catch and she loves to fetch. She knows what peace is. We should all be so lucky!
Cross-posted at Dragon Lady's Den
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10 comments:
You ask, "Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone would hold the spirit of Christmas in their hearts all year round?"
This is entirely possible; IF each and every person simply determines to go about their daily business with a smile and a kind word ready. No matter what is going on in my personal life, when I arrive at work, I have a smile and a cheery greeting; not because I'm a phony or a martyr but because I've discovered how powerfully I can affect those around me and soon, my own mood has improved! Everybody wins!
Those who know me will groan at this next statement - my most favorite and often repeated quote is, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Ghandi said that - sounds simple enough until you really think about the implications.
And if Ghandi isn't to your taste, remember the simple words of Jesus, "Follow me." And think about where that would be; into the midst of the most despised people of His time. Remember how patient and thoughtful His answers were as listeners struggled to wrap their heads around His teachings? Jesus showed nothing but love and kindness to those struggling to accept what was then some pretty radical teachings.
So, we can make a difference, one person at a time...
We certainly can, Rocky! I'm glad you don't carry your personal concerns on your countenance. Smiles have a way of spreading. Merry Christmas! :)
Great blog. Is it my imaginatioin or does it look like the bat sign rising above Jesus?
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!
We can see all sorts of images in clouds, Clay, and especially in dark ones like that, but yes, I agree it does resemble a bat... or Satan himself. Instead of ears those could be horns. I don't know what the artist meant by that but I suspect he meant it to represent the evil that Jesus fought. Or maybe he meant nothing at all. I suppose only he knows. :)
Thank you, Brook! We certainly did at my home. I hope you did too.
A teacher, I try not to carry my doom and gloom about the political state of our nation into the classroom. Actually, I don't have to try very hard as, once behind the desk, I'm all-consumed with getting the teaching done.
A classroom full of students keeps me sane.
Gayle, Seems like I read this before....??????....Im ok with reading it again....And again. At Christmas eve service we were ashed by the pastor about giving and the gifts that we give. "When we give to someone we love, we look for the very best and that is what God did with his gift of Jesus Christ to all mankind. Once we have accepted that gift we can put him in charge of our lives. Then watch the buds blossom.....stay well.....
Sweetie looks like a really well adjusted lab.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
I'm very glad you are a teacher, Always. We need more of you! :)
Your pastor is right, Tap.
Thanks, Joe. Sweety is probably more well-adjusted than many people I know. We had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you did too. :)
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