[dansangel]

Come join us for another of our very own JH2's essays on the state of Christmas in the US today.

Oh, and P.S. - MERRY *CHRISTMAS* ACLU!

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Angel.

[The Mayor]

December 16, 2004

The Gift Of Family

Read: Exodus 20:1-20

Honor your father and your mother. —Exodus 20:12

Bible In One Year: Amos 4-6; Revelation 7

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Through her books and lectures, Edith Schaeffer has become much appreciated for her insights into the value of life's ordinary days. When she and her husband Francis were first married, both sets of parents lived nearby. The newlyweds divided each Sunday afternoon and evening be-tween the Schaeffers and the Sevilles.

After a few years, Edith and Francis moved to Switzerland, where they could talk with their parents only once a year in a brief phone conversation.

Looking back half a century later, Edith wrote of being glad for the way they had used those Sunday afternoons. She noted that "proximity of loved ones is not an endless situation." She concluded that a package labeled "time to care for parents and exhibit love" doesn't just arrive someday. We must show love while we can.

The fifth of the Ten Commandments says: "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). The command to love and respect our parents applies equally to children living at home, newly independent young couples, and empty-nesters.

Seize each moment you have to love and honor your family. The opportunity won't last forever. —David McCasland

Putting It Into Action

• Plan a regular time to call a family member.
  
• Help an aged relative with a project or housework.
  
• Write a letter to someone you love but cannot visit.
  

Time is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.

[GailA]

Good morning..frost on the windows this morning. I'm off to probate court...I loathe going down town Memphis..no parking.

On target as usual John. Without JESUS there is NO CHRISTmas!

[Temple Owl]

Good morning all and God Bless FReepers everywhere.

[Billie]

What a wonderful Thursday 9-days-before-Christmas Two Cents, you two! I can't believe these people (ACLU). I hate the *Two Americas* that we've become, but I want no part of theirs. Your essay was excellent, John, and the presentation couldn't have been more perfect, Dansy.

(((((((((((JH2))))))))))))
((((((((((Dansy)))))))))))

[Diver Dave]

Outstanding!

We've hung the Christmas lights, decorated the Christmas tree, put up Christmas decorations throughout the house, even wear Christmas themed clothing. A Nativity is prominently displayed among our decorations - take that ACLU!

Oh, and one more thing...

Merry Christmas

[deadhead]

"Jesus is the Reason for the Season"

Merry Christmas All!

Great essay, JH2, great work, dansangel!

[Kudsman]

I'm late. It's funny. And dead on!

Merry Generic Holiday!

ROTFLMBellyO