So the deep freeze set in a few days ago. There is no amount of hot chocolate in world that can ease the pain of such bitter cold. We have officially been sentenced to the freezer for a while, so we may as well pull out the parkas and face the music. But really, how authentic would Christmas feel without the cold weather? And I don't get thrilled about shoveling any more than the next guy, but who could want a Christmas without descending cascades of glistening snow? Well, come to think of it, my Christmas in Texas a couple of years ago wasn't too bad at all...but I don't want this blog to head south with negativity, so I'll refrain.
Christmas is next week...which means that this week is probably pretty meaningless when it comes to focusing on all things "academic", and that can be problemactic for students...but I doubt you're losing any sleep over it. Oh, you might be losing sleep, but it's probably because your brain is busy spinning as you try to figure out what that present actually is...and you probably threw out one too many desparate hints to let everybody know what you "really" want. I know...I've been there before and bought the t-shirt.
But life has come full circle for me now because my 3 kids are the ones with the "wish lists" and grand ideas about what might be under the tree. And while I'm on the subject of trees, I must say that my wife is a fabulous decorator...and I'm not just saying that because I'm married to her. Man, if I wan't married to her, I still think I'd hire her to pick out and design my Christmas tree (guess what colour it is, will ya?)! Back to the subject - I know that most "Christmas spirit" in this day and age is about "me" and "I want" and...did I already say "me"? We can all get caught up in this consumeristic vacuum if we aren't careful. That's why I really appreciate the challenge that was given during an exelerate offering back in November, and then repeated in Connect for the Christmas Carols message.
There was a simple challenge given to make sure you find someone who you aren't close to or have had a long friendship with, and surprise them with a Christmas gift. This way, you're blessing someone who had no idea...and you aren't giving out of any selfish motive (because face it...sometimes when we give we can be more interested in what we're getting in return than focusing on the joy of giving in and of itself). I hope that all of you have taken up this challenge seriously, and if you haven't yet, the good news is that you still have plenty of time before Christmas strikes. My family made a point to get all of our neighbours a Christmas gift and personally invite them to "The Divine". There is a thrill built right into the act of giving, and I'm still riding the high!
Well, my family if headed to Mrs. J's parent's house for Christmas...so we'll have a few days in balmy southern Saskatchewan! If we come back with a tan, then you know why. :) Naw...if we come back with a tan, it would likely be frost bite. But we are excited to celebrate Christmas with extended family and tell everyone we talk to what the real meaning of Christmas is - JESUS!!! Make sure that you do the same every chance you get.
I think I'll sign this looooong blog out by posting "my essential christmas music albums": Jars of Clay | Christmas Songs (I think this is the BEST christmas album I've ever heard.) // Vince Guaraldi Trio | Charlie Brown Christmas (something about this christmas CD just makes it feel like christmas, ya know?) // Kevin Max | Holy Night (he got this recording right...subtle instrumentation and a bit understated overall.) // Sufjan Stevens | Songs for Christmas [5 EP's] (this 5 CD set is as weird as it is good...but I'm a fan.)
What's your essential Christmas album?
Posted on
Wed, December 17, 2008
by Garrett Johnson