Monthly Archives: December 2020

New Years Day is the Festival of the Name of Jesus. Although it became  a feast day because Jesus was circumcised when he was eight days old, I suspect some spoil-sport church calendar maker decided that making January 1 a … Continue reading →

Originally posted on December 31, 2017 Having lived through many New Years since 1952, I’ve seen crises, famines, wars, rumors of war, earthquakes, and hurricanes. There were vast changes from the Cold War era until now. Through it all, I realize … Continue reading →

 This is my last blog in the horrendous episode of history that was 2020. I think we should declare this upcoming January 1st “National Hindsight Day.” Most of us want this year in our rearview mirrors. I should allow for … Continue reading →

Today, December 28, we remember the massacre of the innocent children of Bethlehem by the order of King Herod.  When Herod realized that he had been tricked by the Magi, in a rage he sent murderers, saying to them: Slay … Continue reading →

Experiment:  Try singing “…I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.  Where?  Down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart.  I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart.  Down in my heart today….” (Lyrics from a Christian song … Continue reading →

As I reviewed my Christmas letter from last year, I had ended it with the sentiment of hoping 2020 would be more positive.  We, like some of you, suffered family and personal health issues as well as a loss of … Continue reading →

Note to Readers:  This is a guest blog written by my little brother Eric.  I asked Eric to tell me the story of the Christmas Creche that my mother loved so much.  He sent me this beautiful piece full of … Continue reading →

Almost 50 years ago I found a slim book in the Marshall Field book department titled “A Wreath of Christmas Poems.” Every year at Christmas I read the poems with delight.  Here is one of them, “A Hymn on the … Continue reading →

Only one more night! The anticipation is building! Why do we celebrate at night? Tradition tells us that Christ was born at night.  Songs such as “Silent Night” and “O, Holy Night” continue to tell us this story.  That’s how … Continue reading →

 It’s funny how Christmas brings out the kid in us. We get such delight from seeing the youngest among us at play, in wonder, perpetually curious, full of innocence, absorbing all the minor details for the miracle they are. Our … Continue reading →