Missing the Celebration

Since I've been back to work after spending time with my parents for Christmas, I've asked many of our patients if they had a good Christmas. Some responded with, "Did Santa get you everything you wanted for Christmas?" To which I've responded, "Yes, my parents did a great job!" One patient in particular, however, told me that she doesn't celebrate Christmas. I almost didn't know what to say in reply. Not celebrate Christmas? How incredibly sad. She is truly missing out on the greatest celebration of all time. My prayer is that she will understand the Gift of grace that came to us in the form of a helpless baby. He is truly cause for celebration!

A college friend captured well this momentous birth that we celebrate in his blog posting from Christmas Day. Please read it...and be blessed.

It's "Christmas," Not "Holidays"

A surprising number of people have wished me a "Merry Christmas" this year. More than I expected. I was bracing myself for a stream of "Happy Holidays" well wishers but have only heard that dreaded phrase a handful of times. (Of course, I've deliberately - and unabashedly - been wishing every Tom, Dick, and Harry a "Merry Christmas.")

Last I knew, the holy day that falls on December 25th every year was called "Christmas," not "Holiday." Sure, people are trying to encompass New Years and sometimes Thanksgiving into the "Happy Holidays" phrase, but seriously. Get over it, people! It's about JESUS!!!!!!! And, like it or not, I will continue to affirm this truth in the exuberant "Merry Christmas" that I wish everyone who passes through my office door.

For me, the choice to say "Christmas" instead of "Holidays" is a tangible way to show that "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16).

Moving in....

I am happy to announce that I have finally moved in! The boxes that have crowded my room since I actually moved in have now found a home amongst the rest of my belongings in the garage. The last of my pictures have finally made it onto my bare walls, too. It's only been nearly 6 months. Smile.