Ramblings from a coffee addicted, takes herself too seriously, literary buff.
Zoolights has long been a tradition in my family but for the last few years Bryan and I haven’t been able to carry it on. Grandma Ellen joined us this Christmas season and keeping with the tradition brought her amazing meatball soup. While the Portland Zoolights are not quite the same as the Point Defiance lights, the train ride was a lot of fun. Plus, it was really wonderful to have Grandma come down for the day since I haven’t seen her in almost a year.
I never realized how passionate I could be about issues that may cause even myself a great deal of discomfort and yet, here I am. This Christmas Bryan and I have “bought” into a movement called Advent Conspiracy that challenges Americans to spend less money on gifts, be responsible and not rack up debt, and help those in need at the same time. This doesn’t mean giving up gifts altogether, although I’m sure it can be taken to that extreme. However, I was emailed an article today that spoke into this conversation about spending less and giving more that I think you should read. It’s from the Earth Policy Institute and it was actually written last year but they’ve re-sent it out because not much has changed. The title of the update date is Santa Clause is Chinese. I encourage you to read it. It’s sobering for those of us who follow the larger economic picture, beyond just Christmastime. Lastly, if you just read the article from the EPI, then I’d encourage you to stop purchasing anything, yes you heard me right, anything made in China. This seems like a very daunting feat and it is. For those of us who live someplace like Portland, we’re blessed with a local economy that encourages small businesses, hand crafted items, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Check out the ecometro website for loads of information about businesses in five different areas from California to the Twin Cities that sell a majority of locally made items while also promoting environmental awareness. Lets provide our kids with a brighter future by taking deliberate action now.
It’s a new month and a new season. I have to admit that I love Christmas time. It has always been my favorite holiday but as I get older it becomes precious in deep and meaningful ways that I can’t even explain. Occasionally the power and awe I experience when thinking of the birth of Christ makes me teary-eyed but more than that, December is my month of hope.
This morning in church the Pastor of Women’s ministry, Heather, preached on preparing for the arrival of Christ and the meaning of Emmanuel (God With Us). She asked, what does that mean to each of us,personally? What areas of sin and bondage in our lives need to be exposed and given to the Lord who came in the flesh, offering freedom and release? It was a moving sermon for me. It was simple, straightforward and it helps that Heather is a GREAT storyteller but it touched me a lot and I am reminded once more of the scandalous, beautiful, magical, mystery that is our God.