against the odds, we're getting there

It is feeling more like Christmas. I'm not quite there, but I'm getting closer to seeing through the 7 levels of the candy cane forest, past the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, all the way to the star in the east.

Got the shopping stuff done, or as done as it's getting. Still haven't really decorated much, and won't, but I'm OK with that...because when it all comes down to the reason we celebrate this day, it's not the lights, or the presents, or the carols, or, for God's sake, snow (which I doubt they had that day in the manger). All that stuff makes it brighter and cheerier, but in the end...it's the birthday that matters.

By that I don't mean that it shouldn't be bright and cheery, or that it won't. It's getting there. It's getting there because I'm being taken back to Linus, and what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown...

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:8-14

When it comes right down to it, I'm all about the concept of peace on earth and good will toward men...and women.