Podcast Episode 26 is available for listening or downloading. Click the blue button to hear words and music of faith hope love or follow links and read the articles.

As you start your week”

You’re most likely aware that Christmas is this week…Wednesday in fact. As I’ve gotten older I’ve begun to realize how that old expression “slower than Christmas” is based on a kid’s perspective. For me, it feels like just a few weeks ago it was Christmas 2012. And now we’re already looking at Christmas 2013 and the year 2014 is on the near horizon.

Whew. This year flew by. There were trials and tribulations, and yet it zoomed past the window of this supertrain I’ve been riding. How was 2013 for you? Fast? Slow?

Please take some time on the last days leading up to Christmas to really ponder why our country (and lots of other places around the world) seems to enter a whole new zone this time of year. I believe it’s still the residue of the presence of Jesus when He was here on earth. The Bible says “peace on earth, goodwill toward men”. That was a description of Jesus. He was peace on earth showing His goodwill toward men.

We don’t have that level of peace and goodwill without Him here. We can look ahead, in hopeful and faithful anticipation, for when we’ll be with Him again. And Christmas helps us to remember all this messy world is only for a little while longer.

May you have a blessed, joyous, and Merry Christmas this year and every year we’re still here. When you’re finished celebrating, feel free to drop me a line and tell me how it went. Or send me some pecan pie. I’m open to both.  🙂

Now”here’s what you’ll find in this week’s podcast. (including some songs)

I talked about:

* twinkling eyes

* the God of Christmas

* you and me

* sheep in Colorado

* how speech is unique to humans

* the genealogy of Jesus

Stay tuned,