Initially I planned on posting the audio but Christmas is a tricky time and we give our tech team the night off so here’s something close to what I said.   In real time, it went about 20 minutes.

The bullet points are:

Read from Luke 2

made fun of terrible looking nativity scene.

the nativity is not the official symbol of Christmas.

poked fun at our nativity scene that we had in front of the sanctuary,

quoted Bono, Brennan Manning, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Tom Turner

All to say that Christmas cannot be ruined by commercialization, seasons greetings, ugly nativities, stolen nativities, santa, reindeer or anything else.  It means to much to by any of these things.

I post it because it actually went pretty well.  Feel free to read the rest.

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Highlights of the Week:  First family Christmas!  We loved taking Nathan to see Santa, enjoyed Christmas-shopping for him, and loved taking him to our church’s family Christmas Eve service.  Another highlight for me was preaching at the 10PM Christmas Eve service.  Seemed to go well and was grateful that my sr. pastor asked me to do it. 

Disappointment of the Week:  Not really sure who gave my the fruitcake.  I think it was re-gifted from last year. If I ever find out, they’re off the prayer list. (Didn’t really happen; it’s been a real good week).

Listening to:  Christmas music.  This was the first year that I can remember that I didn’t get tired of listening to it.  Maybe I’m getting old but I think it’s also due to better playlists, no radio, and Sufjan releasing a 5 cd set 2 years ago.

Just Watched:  No Country For Old Men.  I’m a year late and I need to watch it again.  Really liked it though it was more violent than I was expecting.  Great acting and there are too many subtle moments that I need to see again. 

Reading:  Been a crazy week so same as last week but I am enjoying Metavista.

Looking Forward to:  2009 and Joe & Denise’s new baby.  (Praying for you.)

Procrastinating On: Making resolutions and making best of 2008 lists.