Jan says at RevGals:
Ever since I was little, I heard that Santa is making a list and checking it twice. I can see why he has to keep checking it, because there is so much to do before Christmas! Only nine days left, and I don't have church services to plan, but there is much left to be done. My daughter-in-law tells me that she feels behind, which is how I have been feeling.
No matter how organized you are, there must be some things you still need to do. For this Friday Five, tell us five things on your Christmas "To Do" List. Include anything you have decided to skip doing this year. As a bonus, give us something that helps you remember why this season even exists.
'Tis a strange Christmas at my house: no decorations up yet. Ken and I have agreed that we will deck the IV pole (which we have used for tube feedings) with lights and that will be our tree. Much easier to take down, too...!
So, there's that to do.
I have 4 gift cards to buy and mail, and I will get them at church this Sunday, where the Manna Money ministry sells them and gleans a little $ for the church budget.
I have a few things to wrap for the kids, and a box to mail to our Houston girls.
No Christmas Cards this year. Maybe Easter ones...
Oh, and I haven't been in choir all year, so no choir singing at the services for me. I'll be in the congregation.
Bonus: The reason for the season: I try to focus on things like the people paying off strangers' layaway bills at KMart. And to remember this, from my friend Elsie Dennis:
"I pray this message for all those who come to Christmas thinking they do not have enough to give. Caught in a consumer culture that shames them if they cannot afford to buy all they feel they should. Hear the healing word of God: what you have to give cannot be bought. Your most precious gifts are the same ones Jesus gave to you. Give your time to those who need you. Give your forgiveness to those who hurt you. Give your love to all around you. You are the gift of God. You are the reason God came, and was born a poor child, and gave not as the world gives, but as only a generous spirit can give, the true spirit of Christmas." The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, Choctaw
