My dad was raised in a ethnically diverse (European) neighborhood in Olyphant, PA in the 30's. He had major issues with Santa. His dad died when he was five. His family had no money. Santa did not visit his house. He concluded that Santa must not like little Italian boys. Santa liked the German and Irish boys. My dad was pretty bitter at Santa for his prejudice.Expectations kill Christmas. A simple, yet meaningful holiday can go down the toilet when your goal is perfection. The more we fluff Christmas up with stuff and expectations, the satisfaction level will go down. With disappointment comes anger (A Santa who doesn't like Italians) and dysfunction. We miss the real party.
Ellis Weiner wrote a new parody for the holidays called Santa Lives! Five Conclusive Arguments for the Existence of Santa Claus. USA Today did a brief review yesterday. Here is a funny quote from the book via USA Today: A loud fat man who barges into people's homes to flaunt his wealth by foisting upon them an array of unusually tacky, unnecessary commerical products -- how can Santa Claus not be an American?
The real party is no over promise . . . You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Matt. 2:21). Jesus loves little Italian boys. Pop learned that years later.
From Nashville. The airwaves are crowded. Enjoyed Stetzer, Lawless, and McNairy. Reminded me of a few realities and a few personal shortcomings. No profound ahas. I will be anxious to hear how Dr. Thom Rainer (Lifeway) and Dr. Geoff Hammond (NAMB) debrief today. Headed back to Columbia this afternoon. Here I come girls 'r' us! Yippee!
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