Well, it's

almost here. Another Christmas is upon us. I confess I am

not ready. Having just gotten out of the hospital

(again!) and suffering driving restrictions, I have just

not been able to do any shopping at all. There is no

Christmas tree in my living room and the usual

decorations are still in their boxes in the

"computer room/dog room/junk room." (Doesn't

everybody have one of those?) So, I will just have to

"bah humbug!" another one and say,

"well...maybe next year."

But maybe

this will force me to look at Christmas as it should be.

I will definitely attend Christmas Eve services, In fact,

I'm even going to attempt to play the organ again (the

first time I've played since the hospital incident) and

my radio will be tuned to WPCH for two days for their

annual 36-hour Christmas music marathon. It will force me

to think and reflect without the frills and frantic panic

that usually accompanies Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Dr. David

Chancey of McDonough Road Baptist Church once again came

through for me with a delightful story about a church

that takes care of the Christmas rush in a somewhat

unorthodox way. Dr. Chancey writes...

"I've

heard of being caught up in the Christmas rush, but did

you hear about the church in Little Rock that is offering

the `drive through' nativity scene? Last week the church

closed its parking lot to set up the drive-through for

those who want to experience the `true meaning of

Christmas,' but were too busy to leave their cars. The

church expected about 10,000 people to take the 15-minute

drive. Since the church started the tradition five years

ago, the five-day exhibit has grown to 140 costumed

characters and a stable-full of animals, from donkeys to

hens.

"Personally,

I would never want a quick, instant Christmas. Christmas

comes and goes fast enough as it is. I want my Christmas

slow and deliberate. I want to savor every moment. I want

to sing every carol, I want to read every card. I want to

hear every CD. I love the sights, sounds, smells and

tastes of Christmas. Like Mary, I want to ponder the

meaning of the Christmas event. I want, even in the rush,

to attempt to focus on Jesus.

Christmas

is a special time to draw nearer to God. This year's

countdown to Christmas day can be an occasion of

recommitting your life to Christ. Jane Krutz, a member of

the Little Rock church's board of directors, shared about

one man who drove through the scene three years ago who

had not been in church in years. He was so touched that

he had a sort of `spiritual re-awakening' and the next

year portrayed one of the shepherds, she said.

Even in the

haste of last minute shopping and finishing touches, I

pray that you experience a fresh touch from God and have

the richest Christmas celebration ever. May God bless you

as you celebrate Christmas."

Amen, Dr.

Chancey. Merry Christmas, everybody!

<!--##############