Well, as I said in my pastor's colummn in our newsletter, this is a first for me and I'm feeling pretty darn proud of myself, considering the fact that I have - should we say - limited computer knowledge/skills. I can't tell you when I first heard of blogs but if the truth be told it wasn't until just recently that I really understood what they are. But still I hadn't given any thought to having a blog of my own until I was talking with my friend and colleague Mandy Stein who has one and who has found it helpful/interesting. So with some big time help from Doug Baker, I am now officially a blogger. Welcome to Pastor Brad's Blog
But if I was feeling full of myself that was quickly taken of care when I "googled" Pastor Brad's Blog to see if I had made the big time and discovered that there are already scores of other Pastor Brad's Blogs. So much for original thinking. On the other hand, if you want to know what other Pastor Brads are saying, you'll have to find that out for yourself. I was too overwhelmed to click on any of their blogs.
But as for what this blog will be all about... well, I really don't have the slightest idea but here's what I do hope. I hope for an honest exchange of ideas. I hope that you'll read my meanderings with an open mind and let me know what you're thinking. I also hope that all exchanges will be civil and that everyone will be willing to take credit for their own thoughts. After all, it's only fair. If I'm brave/stupid enough to post what I write for the world to see, it's only fair that you would do the same. But enough said. Let's get started. The theme for this post is Christmas.
Now in the interest of full disclosure, it's "Black Friday" and I'm in the office for a reason. I'm in the office so I won't have to be out there doing what has become a national pastime - shopping the day after Thanksgiving. But as I sit here I wondering what's the hardest part of Christmas for you and why. After all, Christmas for a lot of people is not the least bit joyful or not as joyful as Madison Ave tells us it should be.
For me the answer is two fold. First, and by far the hardest part by far, is not having my parents around and often not being able to celebrate the day with my brother and his wife Sally. I was one of the lucky ones growing up and had great Christmas'. John and I certainly didn't always get what we wanted but the Christmas morning rituals worked and it was about as Currier and Ives as you can get. With both mom and dad gone now, Christmas is just not the same. Don't misunderstand me. I love what I'm lucky enough to have with Becky and the kids but... And even though my brother also lives in the Madison area other family obligations often keep us apart. Again, I understand but don't like it.
The second issue for me is much more minor but it's there, something that to be dealt with every year. It the exhaustion I feel after a Christmas Eve full of services. Ooga booga. Dont' get me wrong. I love Christmas Eve worship. It's a special time but the next day I always feel like I've been hit by a Mack truck.
But what about you? What's hard for you when it comes to Christmas.
Brad
