To Be or Not to Be – Compassionate

Greetings Dear Reader,

I think about this so much.  There is potential here that too often goes unrealized.  By unrealized I do mean that we miss the opportunity to make compassion real.  When confronted with a moment where we can act we instead do not. 

Recently I went to one of the local eateries I frequent.  I was not doing the best and simply wanted a hot meal with no prep and no dishes.  I wanted to get lost in a crowd and do a little private writing to work out some inner turmoil.

I had a couple of hours to use for this.  I ordered my meal and opened my tablet to give the impression that I was lost in what was on the screen.  Things were slow at the diner so my food came quickly enough.  With it came the waitress wanting to talk.

For the first time in years of frequenting this wonderful place the waitress sat down at my table.  She wanted to talk about her ailing mum.  She dove right in completely ignoring my attempts to be aloof and feign distraction. 

Her need and my heart seemed determined to set aside my needs and worries.  I listened whilst my grilled cheese and soup grew cold.  She talked and cried.  Twenty minutes later she excused herself to fix her eye liner and tend to other duties.  When she returned with fresh Diet Coke for me she was smiling and her usual chipper self.

She leaned over and whispered, “I was hoping you would come in today.  Thank you for listening. I knew you would listen and understand.”

She and I have never had a serious conversation before this one.   We are not friends in the true sense of the word.  In that moment, however, God pushed aside my own desire and intervened in someone else’s life. 

He used my past pattern of kindness and compassion to make a difference.  I did not really do anything but sit and listen.  Instead of my solitude I had unwanted company and compassion took over.  It is compassion that can make the difference in people’s lives.  It always costs us something to risk compassion but it is vital to representing who Christ is.  “…and for some, have compassion, making the difference.”

Don’t Tell Them Jesus Loves Them – Steve Camp

Oh, the suffering souls

Crying out for love

In a world that seldom cares

See the hungry hearts

Longing to be filled

With much more than our prayers

And a young girl sells herself on Seventh Avenue

And you hear her crying out for help

My God! What will we do?

Don't tell them Jesus loves them

Till you're ready to love them too!

Till your heart breaks from their sorrow

And the pain they're going through

With a life full of compassion

May we do what we must do?

Don't tell them Jesus loves them

Till you're ready to love them too!

All the desperate men

Are we reaching for the souls,

That are sinking down sin?

Oh, cry for the church

We've lost our passion for the lost

And there are billions left to win

And another 40,000 children starved to death today

Would we risk all we have

To see one of them saved!?!

Don't tell them Jesus loves them

Till you're ready to love them too!

Till your heart breaks from their sorrow

And the pain they're going through

With a life full of compassion

May we do what we must do?

Don't tell them Jesus loves them

Till you're ready to love them too!

Why have we waited so long

To show them Jesus lives

To share salvation's song!

Why have our hearts become so proud

That we fail to see

To love them is to love God!

And a young girl sells herself on Seventh Avenue

Hear her crying out for help

What will we do?

Don't tell them Jesus loves them

Till you're ready to love them too!

Till your heart breaks from their sorrow

And the pain they're going through

With a life full of compassion

May we do what we must do?

Don't tell them Jesus loves them

Till you're ready to love them too!

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Joy and Wonder – Closing Thoughts

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I hope that your Christmas Day is all that you wish it to be this year.  Thank you for journeying with me through December as I mused on why I love Christmas.  I have met a few people along the way who love it as much as I do.  I have seen a couple of people dear to me recapture a love for it.  I even been privileged to have a conversation with someone who hated Christmas and helped him separate his pain from the holiday.

I have been blessed with some new people in my life who get me when it comes to Christmas.  Val you are a blessing every day.  I pray that your Christmas is all that you wish for your family.  Joy, you truly live up to your name.  My prayers for you and Max include a wish for all that you need to feel complete in Christ.  I am thankful for the new friends and old who share the journey with me.  You have no idea how precious you are to me Dear Reader.  I truly love you.

The world is not as it should be but that does not mean it will never be so.  After all the dreams we find are the dreams we seek.  It is the hope and promise of all things made good that drives me.  It is the Christ centered joy and childlike wonder that capture me.  It is belief in something beyond what is that compels me forward.  Fully aware of the pain and sorrow of others I embrace hope that eventually we will celebrate the birth of Christ with all things returned to what they were intended to be for us.

It is in that hope that I close out my thoughts and questions on why I love Christmas.  It is Jesus that is at the core of this love and my hope in him.  It may not seem practical to have faith.  It may seem puerile and childlike.  That is, however, how Christ asks us to come to him; in childlike faith.  So I will keep Christmas in my heart. I will live it in the past, the present, and the future.  I will not forget the lessons it teaches.  “If we pretend long enough, never giving up, it just might be who we are.”  Happy Birthday Jesus, thank you for coming to be God with us.    

This Christmas Day – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

So, tell me Christmas

Are we wise

To believe in things we never see

Are prayers just wishes in disguise

And are these wishes being granted me

For now I see

The answering

To every prayer I've prayed

She's coming home this

Christmas Day

So tell me Christmas

Are we kind

More this day than any other day

Or is it only in our mind

And must it leave when you have gone away

It's different now

It's changed somehow

And now you're here to stay

She's coming home this

Christmas Day

All at once the world

It doesn't seem the same

And in a single night

You know it all has changed

And everything is now as it should be

I have the ornament

I have the perfect tree

I have a string of lights

I have a chance to see

Everything that my heart thought could be

For of all the dreams

You were the first I knew

And every other one

Was a charade of you

You stayed close when I was far away

In the darkest night

You always were the star

You always took us in

No matter who we are

And so she's coming home this

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas

Merry, merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Merry, merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Merry, merry Christmas

Night

She's coming home

She's coming home

She's coming home

This Christmas Day

She's coming home this

Christmas Day...

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – God with Us

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

As I sit here in my writing room anticipation has me giddy.  I know that I have completed most of the tasks on my list.  I have been able to give significantly to the needs of others.  It has been a privilege to help some friends in genuine Christmas need.  A sea of gifts awaits around my gift tree so that I may bless my children and grandchildren.

I have found great joy in preparing for the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  I have moved among my fellow travelers the entire year attempting to live the spirit of this reality.  God comes to us. He chooses to be with us.  He wishes to reconcile with us. 

Even though we are the ones on the journey to God it is he that travels to us in every moment.  It is he that makes a way by being the propitiation for our sin.  He builds the bridge to us so that we can travel to him. 

Everything I wish to do at Christmas I hope to root in this hope.  As I turn toward the actual day I pray that my family sees God’s love for them in my gifts and preparations.  I hope that the things I dwell on are only connected to Christ and his love for us. 

The ebb and flow of the seasons always draw me to this time of year.  I think of Christmas Day almost every day.  I dwell on the incarnation and advent.  I savor that because of this day God is with us always.

A Hallelujah Christmas - Cloverton

I've heard about this baby boy

Who's come to earth to bring us joy

And I just want to sing this song to you

It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major lift

With every breath I'm singing Hallelujah

Hallelujah

A couple came to Bethlehem

Expecting child, they searched the inn

To find a place for You were coming soon

There was no room for them to stay

So in a manger filled with hay

God's only Son was born, oh Hallelujah

Hallelujah

The shepherds left their flocks by night

To see this baby wrapped in light

A host of angels led them all to You

It was just as the angels said

You'll find Him in a manger bed

Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah

Hallelujah

A star shown bright up in the east

To Bethlehem, the wise men three

Came many miles and journeyed long for You

And to the place at which You were

Their frankincense and gold and myrrh

They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah

Hallelujah

I know You came to rescue me

This baby boy would grow to be

A man and one day die for me and you

My sins would drive the nails in You

That rugged cross was my cross, too

Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Advents One and Two

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I do not wish to put too many clouds on the horizon of you Christmas joy.  It does, however, bear calling to mind that purpose of the birth is death.  The import of the incarnation is to create a vessel like us that can pay the penalty of sin for us.  The first advent creates the path to the cross.

The death then leads us to resurrection.  The hope is fulfilled in part by the acceptance of Christ by God as the penalty for our sin.  We rejoice at the birth.  We mourn the death.  We rejoice again at the resurrection.  Then Jesus departs.  We are left with history and faith.  We are left like those before the first century waiting for the fulfillment of a promise.

Jesus promised us a second advent.  He promised to prepare a place for us and then return.  I love Christmas because it reminds me that there will be another advent.  It will come when time is full again.  It will be sudden and unexpected by most.  It will be the last need for advent. 

We are traveling toward this day just like the Magi traveled toward Bethlehem.  Some of us reach Christ before he comes for us.  Every Christmas I hope that it is the last Christmas we celebrate in anticipation of Christ’s Second Advent.  I long to wish Jesus a “happy Christmas” face to face.

There is no known recording of this song.  I wish there were.

A Pauper’s Hymn – Michael and Sarah Sharp

Traveling hard  before  a  Sabbath  sunset, 

Cold the woman great with child. 

Lonely taxed from Naz’reth wand’ ring, 

O’re Judea’s barren wild. 

Homeless in a stable came the birth that night. 

What could this weary woman bring? 

Nothing less on earth than Heaven's Best; 

A Savior, Redeemer, King.    

Men of the East with wisdom following 

The star that heralds heaven's own 

Christ the Savior come to ransom 

Those who would choose Him to disown 

Warned of the madness of a puppet king, 

The child  is safe in Egypt as he grows, 

But in David's City the children die. 

Rachel weeps for those she'll never know.           

The decades pass, the boy a man, 

Condemned by hope and a lie, 

Hanging cold upon a wind-swept hill, 

Suspended between the worlds to die. 

How long will you wait to embrace His gift? 

Where else will you find harbor for your soul? 

Than in  the  out-stretched  arms  of  the  Christmas  babe, 

Who  ransomed  your  eternal  soul.                         

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Giving Gifts

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

When I was a boy I could not wait to get the Sears Wish Book and begin circling the toys what I wanted.  I remember the sadness I felt when Sears quit publishing the Wish Book.  I truly miss it, although, I wonder if I would find it as enchanting now.

At the moment one cannot get to our Christmas tree.  It is besieged by boxes and bags.  So much joy exists for me in giving good gifts to my family.  As I have mentioned I Christmas shop all year round.  I am constantly taking note of my children’s needs.  I am always on the lookout for things that will please and delight my Grandsons. 

I love giving to others.  I plan my secret plans for helping others in need.  I long to reflect Christ in a spirit of giving out of love and not obligation.  As a constant observer of people I listen to other shoppers when I am out and about.  I hear people complain about having to get a gift for this or that person.  I listen as people degrade relatives for who they are Christmas shopping. 

This is something that I will never understand.  Then again I used to be very particular about what I “wanted” for Christmas.  Now I really do not pay all that much attention to what I want.  When I my family get me gifts I find joy in that they have given to me from the heart. 

It is in giving from the heart that things make a difference.  It is what God does for me.  He gave me his Son when I deserved nothing. He promised to work toward peace on earth through that Son.  All he asked of me was that I accept the gift. I do not have to be on the nice list.  I do not have to do anything for him.

This is what I wish for my gifts to represent.  My Son, Bezel needed some help with his car prior to Thanksgiving.  He asked his mother and I to help as a Christmas gift.  Of course we helped.  He keeps preparing himself for a “small” Christmas in light to the expense of the repairs.  He still does not understand the nature of the gifts we desire for him. 

Like my Son I wish for everyone to see that God wishes only good things for us.  I everyone to catch a glimpse of God’s nature in my gift giving.  He gives his very best to us.  I try to do the same with those I love.  In a world where Christmas is more commercial every year I hope to recapture the image of grace and love from God in the way I shop, wrap, and give.  It is after all better to give that to receive.

My Grown Up Christmas List – Amy Grant

Do you remember me?

I sat upon your knee

I wrote to you

With childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown-up now

And still need help somehow.

I'm not a child

But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish

My grown-up Christmas list

Not for myself

But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart

That wars would never start,

And time would heal all hearts

And everyone would have a friend

And right would always win

And love would never end

This is my grown-up Christmas list

As children we believed

The grandest sight to see

Was something lovely

Wrapped beneath our tree

Well heaven surely knows

That packages and bows

Can never heal

A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart

That wars would never start

And time would heal all hearts

And everyone would have a friend

And right would always win

And love would never end

This is my grown-up Christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth?

Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth

No more lives torn apart

That wars would never start

And time would heal all hearts

And everyone would have a friend

And right would always win

And love would never end, oh

This is my grown-up Christmas list

This is my only lifelong wish

This is my grown-up Christmas list

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Nativity Sets

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I can still remember the first time I saw a nativity set and asked about it.  I was four.  It was the first time I was told the Christmas story and understood it.  It was a four- year- olds’ understanding but it still captivated me.  I would sit and look at the figures and imagine the story over and over.

The issues of life and sin pushed me away from that simple love of a great story.  When I returned to faith years later I rushed to recapture the reminder of this both innocent and complex history.  I keep one out in a few places in my life all year round now.  It helps me keep the birth of Christ and all the implications that follow at the center of my life.

As I read through the Christmas story in Luke each day in December I ponder the nativity on my desk.  It is one of the view that I have seen that gives Joseph the honor he deserves.  I often wish I knew more of his portion of the story.

I have a large collection of the famous Fontanini nativity figures.  They are beautiful and have their own place under one of our Christmas trees.  Other reminders are placed throughout the house.  I wish to always be aware of the place of this part of Christmas in all my dealings with the season. 

I love Christmas because of my love for Christ.   In that manger is the beginning of the fulfillment of all the promises made by God to mankind.  Christmas still has promises to keep.  I find my hope for all them tethered to the manger in Bethlehem. I find the love and joy that wells up within me in that lonely cattle shed.  It is the reason I celebrate. It is the root and flower of Christmas.

A Christmas Song – Jethro Tull

Once in Royal David's City stood a lowly cattle shed,

where a mother laid her baby.

You'd do well to remember the things He later said.

When you're stuffing yourselves at the Christmas parties,

you'll laugh when I tell you to take a running jump.

You're missing the point I'm sure does not need making;

that Christmas spirit is not what you drink.

So how can you laugh when your own mother's hungry

and how can you smile when the reasons for smiling are wrong?

And if I messed up your thoughtless pleasures,

remember, if you wish, this is just a Christmas song.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Bell Ringing

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I have spoken of this often over the last two months.  Today is the last opportunity I have to participate in the joyous event this season.  Even though I am not in full health today I will not forgo this precious time.

For just a couple hours of my time I get such great return.  I get to see the smiles of those who get it concerning giving to those in need as they drop pennies or dollars into the kettle.  I am enriched by those who stop to comment on the value of the Salvation Army.  I find true joy in knowing the good that will be done by the money collected.

At the center of my joy is a portion of redemption by inches.  Before she was safe someone associated with the Salvation Army did great harm to Christmas.  Each year I have seen her heal and grow to understand that this wicked man was not the sum of the face of the Salvation Army.  She has met a friend who works there and see how the organization helps those in need.

As with all things done by humans this organization has its flaws.  Overall, however, I consider it great joy and blessing to spend some time aiding in this cause.  So I will ring again this morning and pray for those in need as I do.  I will then put away my silver bell until the next opportunity.  I will not put away my thoughts and compassion for those in need.  It is a part of Christmas I carry with me always. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Fruitcake

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

Not all fruitcake is created equal.  The ancient Romans first mixed pomegranates, figs, and raisins with the mash for barley cakes to sweeten the bland flat-bread. Variations of this have spun down through the centuries.

I think that more people dislike fruitcake than have actually tried it.  I like fruitcake but it must be moist.  If it is not moist it must be soaked in rum.  Sometimes I intentionally buy dry fruitcake. 

When I want real fruitcake that I can truly enjoy for its own merits there is only one that I have found that will meet the requirements.  Those requirements are that it must be moist, mostly fruit and nuts with little cake, and balanced in the notes or tartness and sweetness.  This fruitcake comes from Claxton, Georgia. 

For over a century this small company has combined fruit and nuts in a cake that I find delicious and seasonally delightful.  I buy some every December and enjoy it throughout the Christmas season.  I often get comments on how undesirable fruitcake is.  People are surprised at my enjoyment of it.  A few friends have happily given me fruitcake they have received from others just to be rid of it.

I often think that the maligned and rejected fruitcake, so often unwelcome as a gift to others, is a timely lesson for me.  It reminds me to love the undesirable.  It reminds me that ancient foods still have a place in this world as do ancient ideas.  It keeps me in mind of the value of trying things that others shun to see the true value. It reminds me that Christ sees the value in every one of us.

Even the inferior fruit cakes that I receive are granted hope.  After all many things are made better with the suitable application of some fine rum.   

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Joseph and Mary

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

The journey we are all walking is one of faith.  Even those of you who do not believe in God are exercising faith that there is nothing beyond us.  Then I ponder the faith required of me compared to that of Jesus’ parents.

I have written about this at length but I always ponder the two at Christmas time.  No matter when the actual journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem occurred it was an undertaking of hardship.  The journey is eighty miles. That is about four days on foot in ideal conditions.  Their conditions were not ideal

From a human perspective the situation seems a strong enough test of faith.   A betrothed couple with a baby on the way is a strong target for scandal and judgment.  We as a society no longer are abashed by unmarried mothers.  In their society it still carried the death penalty.

Joseph is told by God to accept this so he does.  Mary is willing to do as God asks.  Then the tax man comes.  The decree means that Joseph has to travel with his third term wife to Bethlehem.  I wish I were privy to the conversations between these two.  I would value knowing how they worked out the fear and questions.

My faith has a place to purchase because of the faith of a carpenter and his wife.  I can journey with Christ because they journeyed with him.  The life they provide for the boy will allow us to know the man who is Jesus.  Of all the parents in history they had the most unique of challenges. 

They faced God in the form of their Son every day.  Sabbath prayers and feast days had to have a hint of the awkward.  Everyday slips in following the law had to have a new shadow surrounding them.  The world was forever different for life.  I love the brief story that is theirs and love them for it.

Mary’s Song – Petra

Hold that blanket closer, Mary dear

All the world waits with You for Your day

But for now, the wind is cold and it's drear

And Bethlehem's still so far away

Do You remember the way You felt back then?

Joy and wonder filled Your soul

And when the angel slipped away

You knew Your life would never be the same

But now, You're travelin', travelin' on a road

To Bethlehem, wanderin' thoughts fly away

If you knew the road that lay ahead of Him

Would You break down and cry?

Your child is born to die

Feel that hand of strength upon Your own

A husband's love that guides along the way

And as his understanding has grown

His hopes too are centered on that day

For do You remember the way he looked back then

Pain and sorrow filled his eyes

'Til when the angel came to say

The Savior's birth was meant to be this way

But now, You're travelin', travelin' on a road

To Bethlehem, wanderin' thoughts fly away

If you knew the road that lay ahead of Him

Would You break down and cry?

Your child is born to die

Think back on that promise You received

For Him, whom the prophets long believed

Now, belongs to You, You've been chosen to

But He's the one who's gonna shine

We call His name Jesus, Immanuel

He'll save His people from sin and hell

And of His kingdom there will be no end

But now, You're travelin', travelin' on a road

To Bethlehem, wanderin' thoughts fly away

If you knew the road that lay ahead of Him

Would You break down and cry?

Your child is born to die

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Luke’s Christmas Story

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I am sure that I first heard the recounting of Christ’s birth on the Charlie Brown Christmas special.  It captivated me.  I realize that the language of the King James translation of the Bible does not always communicate to our culture.  That does not mean that at moments the Elizabethan English does not contain a poetry of its own.

I do most of my Bible reading from the God’s Word translation because I like it.   During December I also read this passage over and over in the King James Translation.  I quote it out loud from memory throughout the day.  I keep in mind that everything is tethered to this thing.

Luke 2:1-19

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)  5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.   6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.   18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.   19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Absent Friends

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

One of the things I ponder during the quiet times of Christmas are the people who are not in my life for one reason or another.  The people I love, I love deeply and permanently.  The human condition gets in the way and some of those people are no longer a part of my life.

Whether it is absence due to strife, life, or death I miss people and they come to mind when I am pondering and praying.  I have ornaments to remind me of those who have left this life and gone on ahead of me.  When I am alone I whisper their names to God and wish them a quiet Merry Christmas.  I suppose I should explain to my Daughter that this is why I get a obsessive about certain ornaments being on the tree. 

There are also those friends who I do not get to see simply due to the way life carries us.  I will make time to reach out to some of them and wish I could give something to all of them.  Some are across town and some are across the world.  Some I hear from often and some not at all. 

I devote an evening every Christmas season to these friends.  I sit when I am at home alone and recount their names to God in gratitude for the good they have infused into my life.  I wish to become better at communicating with all of them and perhaps this year I have cemented a plan to do so.  I will share more on that later.

The last category always fills me with a deep sadness.  It is those absent friends who have moved out of my life because of sin and strife.  Sometimes the fault is mine and I have tried to mend those wounds.  Not all wounds can be mended by me.  Some are people who refuse to communicate with me for one reason or another.  One is an open wound that never seems to close.  I pray for these people often and ask Christ to heal them whether they return to my friendship or not.

One of the reasons I love Christmas is that it is the wellspring of hope that all partings will be one day over.  Christ left complete physical presence with his Father to journey with us so that this could be true.  His departure yields all our eventual reunions.  In the celebration of Christ is all my hope for that day when absent friends will no longer be absent.  Death will have no victory.  Time will no longer hinder.  Strife will no longer separate.  That is truly a good reason to love Christmas.

NOTE: There is no known recording of the song below.  I wish there were.   

Missing You at Christmas – Michel and Sarah Sharp

Snow  is  drifting  on  the  meadow,

Post -man's  ringing  at  the  door,

Bring ng  cards  and  packages  by  the  score.

Ornaments sparkle  from  the  fire  flame,

Lights  are  twinkling  in  the  lane,

But  I  find  myself  missing  you  again.

And  I'm  missing  you  this  Christmas,

If  I  tell  it  true,

I  wish  I  was  Christmasing  with  you.

Memories  both  heal  and  haunt  me,

Joy's  elusive  with  you  gone,

But  I  hold  your  picture  close  and  carry  on.

Nephews  and  Nieces  filled  with  won -der,

Sister  is  busy  with  the  meal,

Just  a  moment  to  call  you  can  I  steal,

The  phone  rings  on  with -out  an  answer.

I return to the frolic feeling blue.

Wishing I was Christmasing with you.

Lovers  dance  a  final  waltz,

Then  for  home  depart,

I  guess  I  must  be  satisfied

To  hold  you  in  my  heart

Alone  in  the  evening  sorting  mail  I,

Wish  I  were  sitting  with  you,

Pond ‘ring  over  sweet  things  that  you  do.

My  eye  recognizes  your  hand  writing,

Anxious  I  open  up  the  card,

Hungering  for  your  words  to  touch  my  heart.

Tears  fall  on  the  card  you  sent  me,

If  what I read is true

Tomorrow I’ll be Christmasing with you

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Second Thoughts - Blitzen

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

The tale related below is true.  It occurred when Bezel was three.

The great day has finally arrived.  After weeks of rehearsal and constant questioning as to when the PROGRAM would be we were there.   My five-year-old and three-year-old sons arose at six in the morning so that they would be ready to leave at nine. 

I tried to explain to them that only mommy takes that long to get ready.  They refused to return to bed and insisted that it was time to get up.  Their energy level, exponentially multiplied by the energy they sap from us, was at its peak.  We had to redirect it or perish.

We coaxed them into watching some Lassie reruns while we dozed a little longer.   This particular Lassie episode had her bravely rescuing little forest creatures from the effects of a forest fire. 

All was fine until she ran into a couple of deer.  The youngest decided that one of these deer was Rudolph.  He began to yell "Rudolph, Rudolph, Rudolph" at a creature that had a nose that had no hope of glowing.  At this point he decided that he needed to name all the deer in Santa's troop. 

Being three he seems to have a knack for twisting things most curiously.  Try to return to sleep after a three-year-old innocently chimes, "Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Stupid."  Perhaps he knows something about Blitzen we do not?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Silent Nights

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

We were out briefly yesterday for my only visit to the mall during the Christmas season.  I have almost everything in place and am concentrating on filling up the corners.  I was astounded at the noise.  Last year I did not go to the mall during the entire Christmas season. 

I am a lifelong observer of people and the human condition.  As I age I see the world a little differently each year.  It takes minimal effort to keep my good spirits most days.  What I observed yesterday was a sea of souls bent on purchasing.  What so many of them truly need is a gift that is freely given.

Because most of my work is done I can give my attention to other things.  I can concentrate on being kind out in public.  I can give time to the practical needs of family, friends, and strangers.  I can spend an evening or two just enjoying the Christmas lights and reflecting on the blessings of God in my life.

Just like my mobile phone I need a daily recharge.  I need to get the energy to walk amongst the lost world and try to be light.  That is obtained through intentional times of devotion, prayer, and meditation toward Christ and his gifts to us.  It is maintained through working to keep perspective on what matters. 

In that short time at the mall I was reminded that the battle rages around me all the time.  The war for men’s hearts, minds, and souls does not have an silent nights.  If I fail to prepare for it I may lose my awareness of it.  Sometimes we prepare for war by enjoying a little peace.  Make time for it Dear Reader.  I know that I must.

I Need A Silent Night – Amy Grant

I've made the same mistake before

Too many malls, too many stores

December traffic, Christmas rush

It breaks me till I push and shove

Children are crying while mothers are trying

To photograph Santa and sleigh

The shopping and buying and standing forever in line

What can I say?

I need a silent night, a holy night

To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise

I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here

To end this crazy day with a silent night

December comes then disappears

Faster and faster every year

Did my own mother keep this pace

Or was the world a different place?

Where people stayed home wishing for snow

Watching three channels on their TV

Look at us now rushing around

Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a silent night, a holy night

To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise

I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here

To end this crazy day with a silent night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem

With peace on earth, good will toward men?

Every shepherd's out in the field

Keeping watch over their flock by night

And the glory of the Lord shone around them

And they were so afraid

And the angels said fear not for behold

I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people

For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord

And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace

I need a silent night, a holy night

To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise

I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here

To end this crazy day with a silent night

To end this crazy day with a silent night

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Wrapping Presents (not)

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I have friends and family that are gifted present wrappers.  I am not.  When I wrap gifts they look like very pretty paper held hostage by tape.  I do live by the one roll of tape per gift limit and the one roll of paper per gift too.

My solution to this has been to get reusable boxes for the people for whom I regularly get gifts.  It makes the wrapping and arrangement easy and enjoyable for me.  It makes the opening of presents less messy.  I am sure the drop in wrapping paper sales over the recent years is my fault.  The Scotch Tape people are not happy with me either.

What is fun for me is the placing of the gifts in the boxes.  I do not choose gifts for my family randomly.  I think and listen all year long.  Gift buying for my children and grandchildren is a sacred thing to me.  I pray and worship as I shop.  I want my gifts to them to reflect God’s love and gift to them.

As I fill each box I pray that the gift will meet the intended need for enjoyment or work.  I ask God to reveal his love for the recipient through my love for him or her.  It is after all the love that matters. The very foundation of Christmas is a celebration of God’s gift of love to us.  Without that core it is simply a time of getting and spending. 

I spent last evening boxing up the gifts for my Sons.  I am not done yet.  By tonight the boxes should be filled, stacked, and tagged.  I will continue to pray that these gifts reflect my love for my family and friends.  I will continue to monitor their lives for the things they like, need, and enjoy. 

This is what God does for me.  He brings into my life things that I need or the things that will help me see his love for me more clearly.   They journey is sweeter because of this.  The roughest parts of the path are bearable because of his provision.  Each day is a gift that I get to open and see the love that Christ has for me. 

“Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is a gift.

That is why it’s called the present.”

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Shopping

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

Before you t think that I have gone over the edge stay with me a moment.  When I say I love shopping it is not because of the rush, greed, and stress.  I rarely find myself in that position.  Since I plan for Christmas all year long I find that I am often finished shopping long before Christmas. 

When I go out among my fellow travelers at Christmas time I do so with the intent of being kind to others.  Sure there are few things I need to find to fill out the corners of my gift puzzle.  The joy for me though is the random opportunity to be kind to others.  I also am thrilled to spread a little Christmas cheer.

I sing as I shop.  I smile at people and say nice things to them.  I seem a little crazy but it is worth it.  I go out of my way to be good to clerks and shopkeepers.  I picture the Ghost of Christmas Present spreading the cheer from plenty’s horn as I move among strangers offering them a glimpse of joy.

I will never know if I make a long-term difference until God tells me.  I do know that I can create momentary smiles in the hearts of others.  I can be a bright spot in a grumpy checkout line.  I can be a moment’s peace for a harried cashier. 

I love shopping because it can be a real opportunity to remember why I celebrate Christmas.  I can go into the fray of the hustle and swim against the tide.  I can test my determination to be salt and light in a good way.  Perhaps I can even help someone else do the same.    

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Eggnog

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

There are many things I love about Christmas and this is one of them.  Last year I was quite unsettled concerning a certain coffee company discontinuing production of their eggnog flavored coffee.  For the record that situation has not resolved itself but in the category of unexpected blessings I did find a pound well preserved in my freezer. 

The truth is I love eggnog and purchase it as soon as the quality stuff is available.  It is one of those things that I could drink way too fast and consume way too much.  It, therefore, becomes an excellent exercise in Christmas moderation.  It is also not cheap and sometimes I am.

That said I will offer a couple of my favorite recipes so that one so inclined can make homemade if one wishes.  My favorite is Alton Brown’s recipe from his TV show Good Eats.  It is rich and thick and the bourbon is optional.

The Instructables’ recipe is excellent and easy to follow. I recommend never using “light” products to make eggnog.  This is supposed to be rich, creamy, and a celebration.  Again it is easier to make than one would think.

I realize that at this point I usually have a spiritual application for my own life.  I do but it may seem overly simplistic.  Eggnog reminds me of the vast blessings in my life.  It puts me in mind that I have so much richness because of God’s blessings.  The smell, the texture, and the taste all speak to me of things that are rich and sweet.  “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Christmas Stories

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

In my library I have several books of Christmas stories.   Dickens is of course among my favorites.  I think that “A Christmas Carol” gets so much attention that some of the others get overlooked.  “The Chimes” if you have not read it is a beautiful tale. 

Other stories that surround the history and spirit of this season drift through my thoughts.  I reread my favorites.  I write short stories that I hope to someday share with you Dear Reader.  It is in the telling of Christmas stories that we share the ultimate Christmas story.

All good stories become part of his story.  Everything about the spirit of giving and the hope for humans runs back to the stable in Bethlehem where hope was born.  All that the world needs transects at the pinch in the hourglass.  Time was full.  The world was ready and God had promises to keep. 

The cascade of events that would lead to the cross and empty tomb begin in that moment when the angels announced the birth to shepherds.  All Christmas stories flow from the angel’s words, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.”

That baby in that stable in that city changed everything.  God already knew every tale that would flow from this event to proclaim the good news of great joy.  The world is changed forever by this primary Christmas story.  I am changed forever by it.  Maybe there is always time for one more Christmas tale.

A Baby Changes Everything – Faith Hill

Teenage girl, much too young

Unprepared for what's to come

A baby changes everything

Not a ring on her hand

All her dreams and all her plans

A baby changes everything

A baby changes everything

The man she loves she's never touched

How will she keep his trust?

A baby changes everything

A baby changes everything

And she cries!

Ooh, she cries

Ooh, oh

She has to leave, go far away

Heaven knows she can't stay

A baby changes everything

She can feel He's coming soon

There's no place, there's no room

A baby changes everything

A baby changes everything

And she cries!

And she cries!

Oh, she cries

Shepherds all gather 'round

Up above the star shines down

A baby changes everything

Choir of angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

A baby changes everything

A baby changes everything

Everything, everything, everything

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

My whole life has turned around

I was lost but now I'm found

A baby changes everything, yeah

A baby changes everything

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Good will to Men

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

If I could work my will in the world everyone would have a moment where they see Jesus for who he is.  It saddens me that Christ gets so much misrepresentation from his followers.  I am not the best example of a Christ follower but I want to be one.  I want people to see that God, both the Father and the Son wish nothing but good will to humans. 

God loves us collectively and individually.  The entire purpose of the incarnation is so that the Father can express his love in a way that we understand.  The birth of Christ is the statement that there is hope for humans and that God is willing to travel the vast distance necessary to realize that hope.

The Christmas story is one of God demonstrating his love to us by becoming like us, to walk among us, and die for us.  The entire world is looking for good will and good treatment.  The lack of it has caused anger and hatred.  The pain and sickness in the world leads to lack of faith and trust.

I love Christmas because it is an opportunity for Christ followers to remind others that there is hope.  We need to not wrap it in too much glitz and glamor this gift from God.  We need to remember that a humble gift of truth and love is more valuable than fine gold or diamonds.  We need to assure that we give the gift without demands or expectations. 

Perhaps we need to recall how precious the gift is to us first.  It is vital that we remember that we too were once in need of this gift of life and hope.  We need to remember that God has a will toward men that is entirely good.

December Prayer – Idina Menzel

In the touch of a friend, in the breath of a child,

In the eyes of a soldier coming home to his mother's grateful smile,

In the sight of falling snow, and the memories it brings,

In the season when you find some peace, in the simple tender things,

Open your heart and look around, listen listen

Hear the song within the silence,

See the beauty when there's nothing there,

Sing a song within a silence that hope and love are everywhere,

And when the quiet night is falling watch an angel dancing in the air

To the song, the song within the silence a December Prayer,

A December Prayer.

In the strength of your hand as it holds onto mine,

And the promise that we're not alone in this place and time,

In the gifts that you give I am humbled and amazed

Far beyond this day and time of year

We are in a state of grace.

Open your heart and look around, listen listen

Hear the song within the silence,

See the beauty when there's nothing there,

Sing a song within a silence that hope and love are everywhere,

And when the quiet night is falling watch an angel dancing in the air

To the song, the song within the silence a December Prayer,

A December Prayer

Listen listen

Hear the song within the silence,

See the beauty when there's nothing there,

Sing a song within a silence that hope and love are everywhere,

And when the quiet night is falling watch an angel dancing in the air

To the song, the song within the silence a December Prayer,

A December Prayer.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)