Compassion for Christmas

This year we decided to have a special emphasis in our singles ministry for the month called "Compassion for Christmas." The idea is pretty simple: Christ's coming to earth was the ultimate act of compassion and love by God for humanity. The Father saw our needs and sent Jesus to do for us what we could never do for ourselves. As followers of Christ, we are to grow to be increasingly more like our Lord.

For this reason, we will be collecting funds all month long to provide food parcels for Zimbabwe, a nation which has been racked with inflation and famine. It is our desire that as we cut unnecessary expenses and share out of the abundance that we have, that God would shape our hearts to be more like His. If you would like to join us in this venture, click here for more information.

Christmas in a Cup

This year I believe I am more inspired and prepared for the Christmas season than ever before. This has led to far more blog ideas than I generally come up with. Check back often this month for more Yuletide ponderings and observations.

Today I want to highlight my favorite beverage for Christmas 2008, the Espresso Truffle from Starbucks. Not only is this delicious elixir a joy-inducing concoction beyond expectation, it is also a "compassionate-consumer" product. Teaming with the ( )red initiative to provide care and medicine for AIDS victims in Africa, Starbucks donates a nickel for every one they sell. You can click here to see how many days of medicine have been provided by other consumers. If the winter weather is chilling your bones, go treat yourself to an Espresso Truffle. (Before 6:00pm, that is. You want to allow some time for your metabolism to burn this sucker off!)

Now we can celebrate

I'm a bit of a stickler when it comes to getting things in the right order. I never eat dessert before the entree. I do not read the end of a book before I get there; I refuse to edge the lawn before I mow it. I would not think of proposing to my bride to be before I had purchased the ring and had talked to her father. I will not leave a football game before it ends, and I always shave the right side of my face before the left.

That being said, I have a very strong conviction that Christmas music and Christmas paraphernalia should not be used or exhibited until after Thanksgiving. Growing up, I always anticipated the drive home from Thanksgivings in San Antonio, for then we would be allowed to begin playing the Christmas music. So now, it is official. Let the Christmas celebration begin.

(Be sure to turn up the volume on your computer and listen to the festive background music I've selected.)