Thoughts on Christmas

And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed, everyone into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them; and they were sore afraid.

The sun, rising in the east, will soon be pushing our “sleigh, westward down the 90 to Niagara Falls, where we will spend the weekend with our newest granddaughter, Sophia, and her parents.   The weather forecast is for clear skies, coming and going; how fortuitous! 

We've been sending and recieving Christmas cards for over 40 years and every year I'm amazed that I rarely, if ever, see the same card twice.  Not only do we not see a card repeated in a given year, but they are all different from year to year.  Curious don't you think?

One of the many traditions within our house at Christmas is that dad (that would be me) waits 'til Christmas Eve to wrap gifts.With the change of venue that tradition was smashed when he wrapped them last night.  What's this world coming to?

I texted J., Sophia's dad and asked him if they had any Christmas music.  He assured me that they did, in fact, have plenty and that he had his surround sound set up so as to enable us to play our ipods should we so desire.  Technology, changing how we celebrate Christmas.  Gone is the Victrola, the reel-to-reel, the the 8 track and the tape deck.  Now it's all digital: ipods, Cd's and utubes.  I'm going to bring a few of my dozens of Cd's just in case.  "Give it up dad!"

It'll be a full house on Ward road come Christmas morning if not tonight as well, so I'm going to leave now so I can get a good seat.

Remember friends to revel in the festivities, sing some carols, and remember that Jesus Christ's birthday is today,  so give up a toast to him in the form of a prayer.....And then see whatSanta brought overnight.

Merry Christmas and Peace fill you up!