Reb Rev's Blog

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”–Luke 2:20

In a famous episode of Seinfeld, George’s father explains their family celebration of “Festivus” as a replacement for Christmas.

This celebration included erecting a pole, a wrestling match and the “airing of grievances,” in which the family gathered for the annual session of complaining.

In Francesca Battistelli’s song Heaven Everywhere (you need to listen to that song!), she sings about how so many folks seem a little nicer, a little happier around Christmas. One line says “somehow there’s a little more of love, maybe there’s a little less of us.”

It’s really up to us isn’t it? Are we going to gripe our way through the traffic and crowds and family gatherings of Christmas – or are we going to rejoice and demonstrate the joy of Christmas?

“Jackson The Iron-Willed Commander” by Paul S. Vickery is a very informative and enjoyable read.

I have never read a biography of Jackson before, and found this one to quite interesting. It starts from Jackson’s difficult childhood and continues through his military and political careers.

Jackson is neither vilified nor deified in this book, which I found refreshing. It is well documented and includes much from the cultural, social, and political climate of the day. Putting Jackson’s decision in those contexts gives a clearer picture by which the reader can decide for himself what to make of the action.

What is made clear is the character of the man and the love he had for his God, his wife, and his country.

I would recommend this book to any serious student of history.   

Thomas Nelson provides a free copy of these books for review through their “Booksneeze” Program www.booksneeze.com ; however, I am not required to give a positive review of the book.

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”–Luke 2:12

If you are not finished with your Christmas shopping this year, might I offer a few suggestions from the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog?

Here are few ideas –

• a set of “his and hers” watches paired with a trip to Paris and Geneva for just over $1 million
• $354,000 red, special edition McLaren 12C Spider sports car
• $250,000 dinner for 10 featuring four famous chefs and a
• $100,000 hen house inspired by a French chateau.
• a walk-on role in Broadway’s “Annie: The Musical,” which goes for $30,000.

Well, maybe you weren’t going to spend that much. None of us are likely to spend that much, but we often spend a lot of time, a great deal of effort, and a tidy sum of money on Christmas gifts; however, as we all know, it is the thought which counts.

Your thoughts are welcome.