Month: December 2002

The other day, I was going to a place I had never been to alone. My brother-in-law had carefully written down the directions, so that I would not get lost as I manoeuvred the back roads of Kentucky. I was … Read more

Some people like to trudge through the forest in waist-deep snow to cut the perfect spruce tree. Others are content to pick a pine at the local market. Still others buy an artificial one of indescribable content and put it … Read more

"Wait! Watch! Pray for the One…" the choir sings. It's an anthem for Advent, and we have been practicing hard to perfect it, along with many others, all new to me. My problem is, I miss the alto note for … Read more

When I think of Christmas, I think of giving. God gave His only Son that we might have joy and peace in this life, and in the life to come. I cannot give the same kind of gift that God … Read more

In the rush of December, the world calls us to scurry. We are called to claw out precious time to buy "perfect" gifts for difficult people. Our wrapped presents are to have designer-like qualities. The politically correct "holiday tree" must … Read more

Several weeks ago our pastor asked me to play a very special role. I was to be Saint Nicholas and to be introduced to the children during the children's time in the morning service. It is sad that most people … Read more

Last winter was one of the warmest on record here in southern Ontario, Canada. Usually we are shovelling snow by mid-November. That particular year, however, our first snowfall of the season didn't occur until the middle of December. My children, … Read more

Where or when does Jesus come in our holiday festivities? We invest a lot of creative energy in getting the right presents for the individuals we buy or make gifts for, and that is good. If we stop to think … Read more

Well, it's charge card season again! I shudder when I remember some of my previous Christmas bills. Perhaps I was trying to buy affection. For whatever reason, I gave too many presents, too often. January is too late to count … Read more

Christmas is a time of anticipation, and a time of travel, like that very first night, awaiting the birth of the Christ Child. Parents and grandparents anxiously await the time they will be reunited with their children and grandchildren, sharing … Read more