Music: Oh, Rejoice By Hillsong

From Denny:  While my husband was dashing into a convenience store to pick up a few items I was waiting in the car, seeking on the radio stations.  I landed on one talk show where a man was discussing the Christmas season shopping frenzy - and often violence - that breaks out when people fight for the best deals.

It's like the Christmas holiday season has been reduced down to this greedy fever pitch shopping season.  Big Business has clearly hijacked what should be a holy season.  The essayist continued saying how business changes their cashier greeting (Walmart) to try and sound like they are dispensing goodwill as if that will suddenly cement a good relationship with the customer, making up for the rest of the year.

Well, it should be a goodwill season.  During this time of year, he said, you often see strangers relax a little and make more of an effort.  But here's the real question, Did Jesus really come just to make our December's better or did He come to make our entire lives better?

Then the program featured this song and I smiled as my husband put the groceries in the car and we drove back home listening to the reason for the season.

A Christmas Poem: Gifts From The Heart

Waging war in our society: the warm simplicity of gifts from the heart vs. the insecurity of goliath consumerism.




From Denny: Somehow this year's holiday season has taken on an intensified gravity since the economic downturn. Finally, after decades of excess consumerism, the whole world has turned their thoughts to serious and deeper thinking beyond how much they can spend at the local mall for Christmas. While I enjoy the giving of gifts as much as the next person, at some point it's wise to balance it with reflection upon the season. It's good to be generous with others on more levels than a present under the tree.

While I was researching for some wonderful Christmas quotes there are a number that stood out and really helped the thinking process for this poem story. Three are incorporated into the poem and here are a few more:

Music: Light of the Stable by Tara MacLean

From Denny:  This country song was recorded back in the 1990's yet retains a classic quality for the season.  To learn more about this Canadian singer, go here to understand her inspiration.

This is her most recent album released in 2009.  It contains some familiar folk songs along with her own:

Poems From A Spiritual Heart: The Long Road, An Easter Poem

Poems From A Spiritual Heart: The Long Road, An Easter Poem: From Denny:  An Easter poem about how sacrifice can deliver unexpected pleasant surprises.  With global protests against oppressive governments, like the Arab Spring in the Middle East, and against greedy Big Business like the Occupy Protests in the West, it is evident there is great need in the world.

When economic times and society get hard pressed what is the one thing you can do about all the wrong going on around you?  You can be a friend.  You can slow down, even come to a full stop on your own life, and look around to see what is happening in your vicinity.

To address the needs, think of offering some real friendship and mentor those around you.  You will be surprised how many people will tell you how glad they are you took time for them as they thought no one would ever notice how much they were struggling.  It could be at work, at church, your neighborhood, the local grocery store, anywhere.  Offering the fact that you care is often the most appreciated.

Music: Perfect Love Marys Song

Image via Wikipedia

From Denny:  With the Thanksgiving holiday dominated by ads promoting shopping frenzies like on Black Friday I thought I'd post a contrast to remind us of "the reason for the season" - Jesus Christ. This is one powerful song and well edited video.  It contains clips from the Passion of the Christ movie.  Pull out a box of tissues because you are going to need it.

I'll be posting more Christmas music too so check back.