A Christmas Story
Amazingly, it is CLOUDY, wet, and a cool upper 40s this Christmas morning in Phoenix. It is much like the Christmas mornings when I was a kid in Ohio. This kind of weather makes it feel and look like Christmas to me.
Christmas is one time where even with all the shopping focus, people do think about others. Family, friends, food are given our attention. Cards are exchanged. Some take the time to think about their spiritual beliefs. In all this noise — the shopping, the parties, the decorating and festivities, a few remember or hear the message. And of those, a few more listen.
Last Sunday I went to breakfast with a a few friends. We were talking and someone asked if Sue (named changed) was going to a Christmas Eve service. She thought probably not and jokingly said she saw herself now as almost atheist, after being raised in a religious church. Her description of being almost atheist was humorous. Although, I could tell that she was serious. Sue said she had been watching a show about Jesus, and it had brought up more questions for her than answers. What was clear was her sincerity and desire to know in a real way, about the good news, found in the reason for this season.
I could relate to Sue’s doubts and confusion. It is a place where so many are found. Her desire to seek was what I found moving. And it is at this time of year, perhaps more than any other, people, if just for a moment, begin to ask and seek meaning found from the stable, where Jesus was born
Christmas may be the best time to listen and remember what happened in the stable. Amazing to think that for over two millenniums, the birth of Jesus is remembered. It is recorded that this news was Good news. If we seek, it is promised we will find. I am believing that more. I think Sue is closer than she thinks to Jesus, who by seeking, will be found. Keep seeking.


December 25th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Hi Jeff-Merry Christmas! It’s your two favorite cousins Barb & Teri-at Aunt Jo and Uncle Jim’s house for Christmas…looks like you are doing well-we have enjoyed reading your blogs-lots of memories! Barb will be turning 50 in 2009, so she enjoyed your inspiration…hope you and yours have had a Merry Christmas and the New Year brings you much happiness-Love from the Ribley’s!
December 26th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I wonder what her questions were.
And would you (Phil) have had the answers?
(Just checking into your blog. You are keeping this place busy!)
Steve
December 26th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Who’s Jeff? And what did he do with Phil? What do Barb and Teri know about this strange turn of events?
December 27th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Barb and Teri — Thanks for your post. Funny how technology has brought us back in touch so many years later. Tell everyone hello. Barb turning 50 doesn’t make me feel any better
** These are my cousins from my Uncle Jim and Aunt Jo’s house we stayed at when we moved to Colorado in 1969. It was my Aunt Jo who encouraged my Dad (her brother) to come visit Colorado Springs. **
December 27th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Yo cigarman — Jeff is the name I was called by family. Today, if someone uses that name, it is someone in the family or that knew me a long time ago!
December 27th, 2008 at 8:39 am
And here I thought that was some sort of typo