HELLO!

I was driving back to the church late this afternoon and the radio was playing this classic verse from a classic song from a classic movie…

You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch. You're a nasty wasty skunk!

Your heart is full of unwashed socks, Your soul is full of gunk, Mr. Grinch.

The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote: "Stink! Stank! Stunk!"

I loved it. “Your heart is full of unwashed socks”. I need to work that into a sermon…It reminded me of a conversation Kim and I had last night. Kim is pestering me to tell her what I want for Christmas. The short answer is…nothing. I love to buy gifts, and I love to receive gifts, all year long. But I find the pressure to buy things at this time of year, not because the other came to your mind and heart but because marketing people tell us, “do it”. No one loves to surprise someone with a gift more than me. When I left Bethany, on my last Sunday, many in the church showed up wearing clothing items I had given them. The same happened at Brunswick Street United and St. Andrew’s United. I have a scrap book Lucian made for me, they emailed people from Bethany, asking for a photo of them wearing garb I gave them. I believe I kept that (not sure).

Here is something that qualifies as “Too Much Information”. The men in my family create an abundance of ear wax (I can hear you cringe). My doctor tells me to put drops in my ears. Guess what happens to the pillowcases in our home? So after much pressure, I finally relented, I asked for 10 flannel (my favorite fabric) pillowcases, to replace the ones I ruined. Kim is now researching where to buy Canadian versions of these.

I am not one for the pressure of Christmas, I gave that up a long time ago. I enjoy the Christmas Eve services, I enjoy the festive spirit in the church, I love the music, I love blue lights, I love the smell of trees, I love the live nativity scenes churches present, I love the Luke story of Jesus’ birth, I love waking up Christmas morning, drinking coffee, listening to A Charlie Brown Christmas, looking at our decorated 2 X 4 tree, creche scenes around the house, cards, “blue lights”, and being with Lucian and Kim. We will miss Nova. That will make us all sad, and cry.

But Christmas has minimal pressure now, at least for me, and Kim and Lucian feel likewise. Lucian likes to go to hang out with friends, at parties, but Kim and I remain close to home. She likes to see her brother, sister-in-law, and nephews. I love to go for a walk and give thanks.

No pressure. Just peace. Kevin

PS I hope my heart is not filled with unwashed socks…