Do you ever wonder?

I have spent a considerable amount of time this Christmas season wondering about lots of stuff. These are some of my random thoughts. Mind you, it's not anything new, but important in my life.

• Is this Americanized Christmas season going over the deep end in a hurry? It all seems so out of control. When kids have a christmas list that is 4 typed pages long single spaced, I think we have gone over the edge.
• Do we forgot about those who are really in need? I know that we have secret santas, angel trees, etc. to help with Christmas, but that is all superficial. Are we really wanting to help or are we just putting on a band-ade till after the Christmas season is over and it all opens up again. The loneliness returns, the bills go unpaid, the depression kicks in, reality hits hard and where are all of those well-meaning people and programs, including myself.
• Do we really need the stuff to have Christmas? Can't we just get together as family and friends to celebrate Jesus, life, and relationships? Would it still be Christmas if there were no gifts?
• What does it all mean anyway? Is it all really worth it? What if we tried to celebrate Christmas everyday? Would it change anything? Provide secret santa, angel tree, etc and other programs all year long to provide things that are really needed -- food, clothing, utilities, safe, decent, and affordable housing, transportation, friendship, love, peace. These are the things that make life livable. Providing it everyday would totally shock your life.
• I am not being a scrooge. I truly love the spirit of the season. I just feel that we have missed the spirit for the stuff. I feel so compelled to buy things and get things, that the spirit of giving is lost in trying to keep up with gift givers, the neighbors, and everyone else that we don't really enjoy it -- it is a burden every year.

What is the meaning of Christmas for me? I think it is real simple.

• Jesus came to save me from myself;
• I love my wife more than anything else -- she gives more than anyone I know;
• I cherish my children -- even my older ones. My favorite thing is watching them;
• Spending time with extended family -- always a great time;
• Sharing life with my church family -- they are a hoot;
• Knowing when people think about Jesus, it changes them -- even if only for a short time -- and that means there is hope.

I hope that everyone sees new meaning in the birth of Christ and has the best Christmas ever.