It’s been a while since I’ve posted, and for the first time in a long time, I’ve had time to stop and think.

No real deep thoughts. Just another question: What’s your Christmas wish? I’m somewhat embarrassed to say that in my family, it’s difficult to come up with Christmas gift ideas or requests, because we all have so much, and have no material needs, and few unfulfilled wants.

I have my family together for Christmas, which is a blessing that I don’t think I fully appreciate since I’ve been blessed enough to only miss one Christmas (1984) with family. My prayers are with our servicemembers who are away from family, particularly those who are in harm’s way serving their nation. I pray that God will keep them safe, and bring them home soon as he brings the current conflicts to honorable conclusions.

More than anything, I pray for the Christmas spirit to permeate the next 11 1/2 months. I enjoy this time of year, when people become more sensitive to the needs of one another, and more interested in the good and honorable things of life.

I wish we could live out Philippians 4:8:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

“Think” about such things is a weak translation of the Greek; it more accurately means to ponder or reason; in other words, dwell on them and let these things permeate your thoughts and your way of living. That’s my Christmas wish…that I can dwell on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. I spend way too much time dwelling on whatever is negative, whatever is wrong, whatever ticks me off. I pray that I can transform my thinking this coming year, and that the Christmas spirit that fills our hearts this time of year can carry throughout the coming year (and every year thereafter).

God bless you all on this Christmas day.