6 sleeps

 For so many in Australia, in the USA, and around the globe, this is the 'most wonderful time of the year.' Joy to the World! Only six sleeps to go. We're almost there. The trees, the lights, the spirit of the season is everywhere. Television movies with echoes of previous years of Home Alone and It's a Wonderful Life are non-stop.The radio stations are relentless with carols, and the shopping malls remind us to visit Santa at any of the three locations he is on his chair awaiting longing children.

The stores, whose advertisements we have overlooked for months,

are also sending us 'seasons greetings' messages, that indicate their pleasure in 'knowing' us all year. The dentist and Amazon and the local barber shop, that cafe we had a cappuccino in February and our regular down the block. Everyone wants to send me a greeting. And honestly, I like that.  

What's the alternative? Not hearing from companies? Not hearing from those who have our address? Frankly, I am glad that the IT department of major corporations know how to send me an eCard, and by 'me' I mean their entire eBlast tickler list using whatever application and program they have modified. There were not enough icons of trees and glitter in my inbox before... keep sending those to me.

Why am I telling you this? Look, my reaction to seeing the first glimpses of Christmas commercialism usually in September is one of disgust. And I'm ever searching the shelves that have a manger scene or nice cards for me to send to some mates myself. I guess through all the glitter, I'm trying to find the reason for the season.

Which is...

...why do we celebrate this season anyway?

The story was told every year in my youth by Linus, Charlie Brown, and the kids of Peanuts. Jesus was not born on the 2nd floor of Target or Myer, between the men's suits and ladies' watches. He was born in a stable in Bethlehem. He began life in a rough place. He lived it tough. He died a tough ending on two wooden posts executed by Roman soldiers. And then he rose again in Jerusalem. And a month and a half later, when he ascended to heaven, he was given a place fit for a king. Yeshua, Messiah, King of Kings.

Celebrate with glitter. Celebrate with greeting cards and carols. And Santa. Sure, whatever your traditions. As long as you don't forget the real story. 

Born is the King of Israel.