Happy New Year

As we begin the new year, with all its opportunities and hope and promise, receive this blessing:
(Brennan Manning, an author and ex-priest, spoke it over the congregation at Open Door long ago. He was quoting his spiritual mentor, Larry Heim)

"May all your expectations be frustrated,

May all your plans be thwarted,

May all your desires be withered into nothingness,

That you may experience the powerlessness and poverty of a child,

And sing and dance in the love of God, with Father, Son, and Spirit."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Holiday Ads Update

After my previous post just about 10 days ago, I need to express my surprise that Sears has put up signs in their stores that read "Merry Christmas", and Target (who I wrote to about this topic) began running ads on TV and also in their stores titled "The Countdown To Christmas" with the TV commercials ending in a full-screen "Merry Christmas."

Wow. Even if they're just doing it for the money, I gotta say "Way to go, Sears and Target! That's all I was asking for was that you say the words."

By the way, although Target's response to my e-mail said nothing of the ad changes, I'm assuming this was already in the works. Otherwise God may have moved. Take your pick.

"This Holiday" ads

Is anyone else tired of the ads that say, "This holiday, come and spend your money at our store"? Usually the items advertised are not Hanukkah Trees or Kwanzaa Canes, but traditional Christmas decorations and gifts. I've even seen Christmas trees advertised as "Holiday trees". What other holiday is known for having evergreen trees decorated to the hilt and surrounded by presents? How much do you think people spend on "holiday gifts" apart from "Christmas gifts"? Unless these stores have an agenda besides making a profit from the sale of their products, it seems to me they are trying to avoid offending the wrong people.

Merry Christmas everyone. May the joy of the Lord bless you and yours this Christmas Season!