Did you enjoy Christmas this year as much as last?  Because of the worldwide economic downturn, many decided to spend less on gifts than in past years.  Retailers certainly are not happy about this change.  But many discovered that what really makes Christmas special to them is not the material gifts but the special time they spend with loved ones.   Our consumer-driven Western culture has deceived us into thinking that the good life is only possible as we can buy it.  Perhaps this recession will cause many to refocus on their loved ones with increased appreciation and devotion.  

What a milestone! Recently my wife and I had the privilege of attending a family celebration for my parents' 60th wedding anniversary. For several weeks my sisters and wife secretly planned a party to honor our parents as they approached six decades together. On a Saturday night at the home of one of my sisters we gathered from near and far to recognize this achievement with lively conversation, food and presents.

The Internet phenomenon of "blogging" has mesmerized the world.  The term is a contraction of "web log," and each day millions of bloggers are transforming the way people obtain news and information, forcing the mainstream media to adjust to the changing times. 

Our world is awash in violence.  Consider the California man dressed as Santa and accused of a murderous shooting spree.  Police report that he began by shooting an innocent eight-year-old girl in the face and then shot at least nine people before killing himself (CNN.com, December 25, 2008). 

In the days before good ventilation, coal miners never entered a mine without a canary in a cage. Canaries sing constantly, and if the canary ceased singing (and passed out), it signaled immediate evacuation of the mine, due to buildup of deadly carbon monoxide and methane gases.