Merry Christmas

“Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus right down Santa Claus Lane, Donner and Blitzen and all the reindeer pulling on the reins…”

“Rockin’ around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop, Mistletoe hung where you can see, every couple tries to stop…”

“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose, and if you ever saw him you would even say it glows…”

“All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth…”

Newspaper headline: “NORAD helps children track Santa via iphone or ipod touch”

“We will deliver on Christmas Day,” states a furniture store ad.

“Happy Holidays.”

So, I’m depicting the spirit of Christmas – right? Wrong! I’m depicting what Christmas has become. We’re into giving and receiving. “ What am I going to get, (fill in the blank) __________ for Christmas?” “What do I want for Christmas? Oh, not much. A new iphone tablet, a GPS. How about a fifty-inch high def tv for the home theatre?”

Where is Christ in all of this? Obviously, He’s not anywhere to be seen. We have allowed His birth and its infinite meaning for each of us to be obliterated beyond recognition. The way of the world? Yes. But more importantly, the way of so many Christians today.

“Merry Xmas,” says it all. We have literally taken Christ out of Christmas. There are no more manger scenes on the commons of small New England towns. Snowmen abide. Many New England churches no longer offer Christmas Eve services citing a lack of attendance – or even a list of dwindling church members.

In a country founded on a belief in God but emphasizing a freedom of religion, so much so that this freedom was depicted in the very first amendment to our constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Our government, “…of the people, by the people, for the people…” has violated its own dictate by embarking upon a crusade to rid itself of participation in religion. It does not remain neutral in things religious. It zealously disallows, “…the free exercise thereof…” based upon the 1963 Supreme Court decision upholding atheist Madeline Murray O’Hare’s argument that prayer in any manner or form should be excluded from America’s schools.

Since that original ruling, the Judeo-Christian concept has been forbidden far beyond prayer. The Ten Commandments, the Bible, not even God’s or Jesus’ name, especially Jesus’ name, can be mentioned in any governmental context.

We can trace the expanding lethargy, even animosity, towards the true meaning of Christmas to that Supreme Court decision. Since then Jesus, his birth, death, and resurrection have lost their meaning to more and more people across the decades. Christmas is now a time for giving and receiving gifts. Why? To so many the real reason for Christmas giving is lost. It is now largely a secular holiday. Santa Claus and reindeer and snowmen have become paramount. The birth of Jesus has become a quaint story.

Merry Christmas!

A FALL FROM GRACE

Tiger Woods. A fall from grace. Perhaps the greatest golfer of all time, we had him in a place where his level of perfection on the golf course and off was unparalleled. We had placed Tiger in a virtual pantheon of athletic gods where he could survey all from on high and could do no wrong. If there were a brief display of temper or crudeness, we looked away. So what if he didn’t embrace social causes and didn’t give back to those less fortunate? In retrospect, however, those seemingly small cracks in the public persona were indicative of a large moral decay within.

In our lifetimes how many others have we witnessed falling from grace? Choose your time frame; choose your field of endeavor: Alex Rodriguez, William Holden, Pete Rose, Woody Allen, Ingrid Bergman, Bernie Madoff, David Letterman, the Black Sox, Winona Ryder, Richard Nixon. On and on.

Like Tiger, each sought and accepted the public’s adoration. We gave it gladly. Like Tiger, each portrayed an impeccable public persona. We accepted it without question. Like Tiger, each fell from grace with a resounding thud. We enjoyed it, or we elevated ourselves above them. Personal tragedy. Public execution. We elevate them; we drag them down. In our society celebrity adoration and assassination seem a sport. It’s inexpensive and easy to play. We participate actively for a short time and then move on. Next victim.

“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning!” (Isaiah 14:12). Is Tiger worse than we? The other fallen? I think not.

As Christians we need to offer grace and forgiveness to those who hurt or disappoint us. We must recall the Lord’s mercy towards us, and remember that His mercy flows to others as well. While not necessarily easy, forgiveness of others is necessary. Offering forgiveness allows us to avoid cynicism or bitterness or anger: elements that can easily consume us and negatively affect our thinking and actions.

We must encourage those we hold in high esteem: Pastors, Spiritual Leaders, Bible Teachers, public figures. Every one of us has human frailties, and, at times, we don’t do as we should either. We are called to minister to our brothers and sisters, “So encourage each other and build each other up…” (1 Thess. 5:11).

The Holy Spirit will never fail to help us forgive. He will fill our hearts with mercy. “And when you stand praying, and you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)

We are no better than our beleagured brother. Tiger needs our forgiveness and our prayers for him to seek the Lord’s forgiveness.

SEEKING

SEEKING


Coffee, early-bird special with toast and hash browns, fun servers: “Good food; fresh help”. Every Wednesday at 6:15 A.M. Bible study. Good Christian friends. Jokes, stories, laughs, prayer. Bible study. I look forward to this meeting of five men and me so very much. Our Bible study. The other guys surely feel the same as I, because absence or tardiness are rarities. We love studying God’s word at the restaurant’s center table, aware of our visibility, as we discuss His word, digging deeper for knowledge, understanding, and application.

In Psalm 63:1 David prayed, “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you.” Today our country is in a situation somewhat like David. He was in the Desert of Judah. We are in a Desert of Spirituality. Perhaps at no time in American history has there been less acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty. Politics divide us. Church doctrines divide us. Mankind charges onward with a belief that, through science and humanitarianism, he can solve all problems and achieve ultimate wisdom. However, Paul states in 1 Corinthians 3:19, “ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.”

While David had neither water nor nourishment, we have the Bible, the ultimate nourishment. By setting apart a portion of each Wednesday morning, we are fed His Word and our blessing is furthered by keeping Him and His word in mind throughout the week. Bible study.

Hungry for the early-bird special, He feeds our souls. God’s word. Bible study. Christian friends. Jokes, stories, laughs and prayer. Our center table is an oasis in the spiritual desert. As God eventually provided for David, so he provides for us. Bible study.

THE JERKS HAVE TAKEN OVER

You and I are surrounded by jerks.  Look to the left, to the right, turn around, back to the front - all jerks.

I'm watching a movie starring Tom Cruise.  I think he is a jerk.  He had it made until he showed off his wife Nicole Kidman in a terrible film, displaying terrible judgement.  Since he and Nicole divorced, and he jumped on Oprah's couch, Cruise has lost all credibility with his fan base except maybe for Rosie O'Donnell.  I've lost track of who Nicole is with now, but she hasn't exactly been a stable act.  She's kind of a jerk, too, but no where near being in Tom's class.

Speaking of Rosie, she's a jerk, too.  Quitting her job after arguing with the All-American Elizabeth on THE VIEW was just an overt expression of her innate stupidity.  She hasn't worked much sense has she?  Easy money for an easy job, and where is she?  In lesbian land!  Rosie and Ellen DeGeneres are poster girls for twisted affections.  At least DeGeneres has some comedic talent.  She needs to take dancing lessons, however.  Thinking of THE VIEW, Barbara Walters is approaching the jerk stage.  She's had a terrific career, many firsts, mega money, but she needs to retire.  Like an aging athlete, she needs to announce her retirement and vacate the premises.  It's almost to late to leave the stage gracefully.

Jerry Springer is a jerk.  No explanation needed.  A-Rod is a jerk, but there's hope for him if he matures.  His bosses, the Steinbrenners are potential jerks, but they haven't yet crossed the threshold.  The Yankees have employed many jerks the past few years including his jerkiness King Clemens.  Let's see if they have learned.  If not, they'll be labeled jerks, too.  People who chant, "Yankees suck!" are jerks.  Outside being rude and crude, they're missing the richness and subtleties of a great rivalry with the Red Sox who have no jerks since Manny Ramirez hit the road for L.A.  Thinking of L.A., why did Joe Torre ever write that "kiss and tell" book.  A great manager who had my respect, he has now entered the land of jerkiness.  I'm wondering what other jerks the Dodgers have on that team.

The Congress is full of jerks.  Many, many of our business leaders have turned out to be jerks.  Can you figure out Bernie Madoff?  A humongous jerk!  He knew what the endgame would be, and he kept up his devastating charade.  Along with Clemens, Bernie is another King Jerk.  

The National Football League has too many jerks to mention.  But Donte Stallworth's hitting and killing that pedestrian with his Bentley certainly makes him the jerk of the week.  

Terrell Owens might get off the jerk list now that he's in Buffalo.  I rather doubt it, though.  The Buffalo Bills have been on the NFL jerk list for about seven consecutive years now.  I see TO joining them rather than uplifting them.  Hopefully not.

Octomom is a jerk.  You can use her as a symbol for the right to life or for the necessity of abortion.  Either can work with the proper argument.  However, she, personally, is a jerk.  No job, no income, no husband, takes huge advantage of her family:  to put herself in that situation, she has to be a Queen Jerk.  

The former president of the 158 year-9ld Lehman Brothers is a jerk.  Imagine running one of Wall Street's premier organizations into the ground!  The jerk was working out in the Lehman gym a few days after the disaster.  A former employee walked up to him and punched him out.  We still have a few heros.  I wish I knew his name.

Hopefully, the upcoming blog can discuss heros.  There don't seem to be many around just yet.

A VIEW FROM THE BENCH

AS A PARENT, occasional coach, and educational administrator, I often heard parents complain to anyone who might listen that their son/daughter was forced to sit on the bench, in spite of perceived  superior athletic ability, because the coach just couldn't recognize his/her talents and capabilities.  It just never seemed to occur to these angry folks that their child might actually be benefiting from a valuable learning experience.  I offer the case of Matt Cassell, quarterback in residence of the New England Patriots, as a big league beneficiary of just such an experience.  As you know, Cassell is replacing Tom Brady who was injured and is out for the season.   When he was in college, Matt sat on the bench behind All-American and Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer.  When Palmer turned professional, Matt again sat on the bench behind another All-American and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart.  Turning pro himself, Cassell was drafted by the Patriots where he sat on the bench for four years behind All-Pro Tom Brady.  Was he discouraged?  Did he quit?  Absolutely not!  He took advantage of the situation, educated himself, and learned well.  As a result of his positiveness and willingness to learn, Cassell was not just  ready to replace Brady,  he was so well prepared that he recently was honored as offensive player of the week.  Surely Matt always had ability, but he found himself behind those who had superior ability.  He had to work and work hard to add to his repertoire.  It was the equivalent of making the most of being on a debating team behind Franklin Roosevelt and then Winston Churchill.  As in athletics, America is a meritocracy where the best are ultimately recognized. Whether in sports, business, law, or any place in the world of work at large, we need to stop complaining that our talents aren't being recognized, take advantage of what opportunities we have, study, re-learn, and fully prepare ourselves to be better at what we do. Watch Matt Cassell this season as he works himself into a position to earn a multi-million dollar contract next year.  Sitting on the bench has paid off.

CLEANING OUT THE RIGHT-HAND DRAWER OF THE MIND

I've been thinking!  Some might say, "Uh-oh!"  Others might say, "How novel!"  I say, "It's about time!"

I like Sarah Palin.  There - I've said it.  I like Sarah Palin.  I think she's bright, compassionate, and capable.  Tina Fey and all of the governor's detractors aside, I think she's able to handle the vice-presidency.  Al Gore did it.

What has happened since Radovan Karadzic was arrested and was scheduled to appear before the international war crimes tribunal?  How about his buddy General Ratko Mladic?  These guys roamed around eastern Europe for over a decade after they had been identified for arrest for their role in the Bosnian ethnic cleansing?  Why was that allowed to happen?  Why have they not now been brought to trial?  Why has that been allowed to happen?

In the 1940's we had leaders like Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dean Acheson, and George C. Marshall among so many others.  Excepting Truman, they led by nobless oblige.  Wealthy, they served out of a sense of obligation.  Either wealthy by birth or wealthy by industriousness, they turned from comfort to government to offer their services.  Today the practice is the opposite.  Government workers first serve in an administration and then leave in order to act as lobbyists, make substantial money, and to live in comfort.  Could it be that our present-day patricians choose not to participate in governmental leadership in order to avoid undue public scrutiny and undue publicity placing their families into glass houses?

Why was Olympic drug cheater Marion Jones allowed to leave jail early from her already-lenient six month sentence?  She cried and lied for years before she was finally caught and convicted.  I had always presumed her innocent.  Silly me!  Feeling foolish, I vindictively want her to serve her full time.  Who let her out?  The president of the USA Track and Field Association wrote to President Bush asking that she not be let out of Jail.  "I have a moral and practical duty to make the case (against her request for early release)"  Who let her out?

Why is it that in our eyes Israel can never do wrong?  They are in huge part the reason that we are having so much trouble with Arab nations and, by extension, Al Queida.  I do believe that they need our overall protection, but not a rubber-stamped OK for all of their actions.  Read Jimmy Carter's book on the Middle East and their building of the wall that sections off huge chunks of Palestine separating neighbor from neighbor and family from family.  See who you think is responsible for much of the tension in that area of the world.

On a final, more mellow note, Italy's agricultural minister announced that some of that country's finest wines will receive permission to be sold in boxes.  Boxed American wines have an image problem somewhat similar to "white lightning".  However, wine in boxes makes a lot of sense.  It not only last longer, but decreasing transportation costs from the west coast to the east coast not only benefits the economy, but it also benefits the environment.  Figuring the saving on greenhouse gasses, transporting the lighter weight boxes would save the equivalent of taking 400,00 cars off the road.  That's each year!  Bottles are romantic.  Packages are practical.

   

Teddy Roosevelt and John McCain

        Mornings on Horseback, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, Theodore Rex, River of Doubt, TR the Last Romantic - all admirable biographies or partial biographies of a currently popular past president from a prominent American Family, Theodore Roosevelt.  As an aside, Teddy was a Republican while his equally famous cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt, FDR, was a Democrat - an interesting story in itself.  However, Teddy has become an icon of the Republican party featured on posters at Republican fund-raisers, and referred to frequently by party leaders.  Indeed, John McCain has stated that Teddy is his political idol.  Senator McCain is a longtime conservative and current Republican candidate for the Presidency of the United States, running against his Democratic opponent, Barack Obama.  McCain is an admirable man with an admirable history proclaiming a populist program "...for the great citizens of this wonderful country."  An admirable agenda.

        However, I'm wondering just how much Senator McCain has read of his idol.  I'm wondering because Teddy was a President who advocated positions that are the antithesis of the positions staked out by the current Republican platform.  During his presidency, 1901-1909, Teddy Roosevelt dismantled some forty monopolies.  He advocated for and attained regulations for foods, drugs, railroads, and labor unions.  Additionally, being sworn in after the assassination of William McKinley, he took the oath of office without benefit of a Bible.  

        After initially refusing to run for a third term in 1908, Teddy changed his mind and ranin 1912 against his originally hand-picked successor, William Howard Taft.  President Taft advocated positions remarkably similar to those put forth by today's Republicans, causing Teddy to advocate for a platform similar to that of today's Democrats.  Losing out on the Republican nomination, Teddy created the Bull Moose party and ran for the presidency against Taft and Woodrow Wilson.  Similar to 1992 when Republican Ross Perot ran as an independent against Republican George H.W. Bush, dividing the vote and electing Bill Clinton.  Teddy's third-party run resulted in the election of Democrat Woodrow Wilson.  

        In another venue it would be interesting to analyze Teddy's platform.  Among its many planks were the call for women's suffrage, limitation of campaign contributions, and the registration of lobbyists - all liberal points to the extreme in 1912.

        It would seem prudent that Senator McCain analyze a previous Arizona conservative senator's political positions. Barry Goldwater's brand of conservatism, "Remember that a government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything that you have,"  would seem a better fit than Teddy's, "The most successful politician is he who says what everybody is thinking and says it the loudest."  A most un-McCain tendency.