It took a bit but once Thanksgiving took that long wide turn and left the county, I turned my radio toward Christmas. Dean Martin and Gene Autry are now in full swing belting out carols and the story of Rudolph like no other can. Yep, I may be late to the party but the mini-Clark Griswold outside Christmas lights are up and the silver tree was hauled up, replete with the three-color circulating light to announce to everyone that this particular branch of the Stowers family is up to speed with Christmas with only 11 shopping days left. It's time to check the list twice or three times and figure out just what to get the wife and kids. I reckon I should have been listening at the three Thanksgiving get-togethers we had. Anyhow, it’s time to shop local and get creative with your list. I just don’t know what to ask for this year though. I think I have enough clothes at the moment and there’s no gadget or gun on the wish list, not that I’d turn one down, though. But Christmas is more about the traditions. The silver tree and circulating three-color light and playing Jim Nabors’ version of Joy to the World when we turn the light on – even the outdoor ones. Then there’s the kitchen. No Christmas is complete without pulling out cookie and candy and trash recipes and making the kids smile and probably having me loosen up my belt to fit in my pants. Then there’s the driving around and checking out the lights and enjoying the creativity and the views. I’m sure there are more traditions that will get played and replayed over and over the next couple of weeks. Rudolph, Snow Miser and John McClane will all make an entrance on the big screen in the living room, along with Elf and the old school favorites – Miracle on 34th Street and George Bailey and the crew from It’s a Wonderful Life – because it really is. And as always and first and foremost, its Jesus’ birthday that we celebrate. Without Him, it’d be a hard row to hoe and probably wouldn’t be one to hoe. As I preach to myself and the choir, let’s keep Jesus first, front and center. Get to church and belt out the hymns and remember the shepherds and wise men and Mary and Joseph but mostly and mainly our Savior, Jesus, who was born on Christmas Day giving us all the greatest gift that we just need to accept, no strings attached. Merry Jesus Birthday to you. Pray for your loved ones and family and friends and do what Jesus would do. Love one another and ask Him for help when you can’t. Amen.
