Raoul’s Two Cents: December 20, 2024

Careful the Things You Say

Tis the season for children. Even seniors return to being children when they hear, when they see, when they smell hints of their childhood Christmas.

One of my earliest Christmas memories was staring at colored lights. I was fascinated at the glass light bulbs shaped like the Seven Dwarves and the dull glowing filament that made the colors shimmer in the dark room. They were like fireflies in my little hands. In the background Christmas tunes by crooners Bing Crosby, Perry Como and Johnny Mathis rotated relentlessly. Those were the days when a handful of media networks controlled the air waves. Today, with personalized music in Spotify and Youtube, we are no longer united with carols. Kinda sad, huh?

My Siblings and I lived in a simple two bedroom home. Both of our parents came from big families so my cousins, uncles and aunts had a revolving door to our humble abode as they were free to come and go any time. They were literal extensions of our family. They were always part of our Christmas meals. Remember the crazy family in Home Alone? That’s what it was like.

I had a wonderful childhood that’s why Christmas is my favorite time of the year. But, as I grew older, I’ve come to know people whose childhood was anything but loving. In the shadows were evil intentions preying on their innocence. I cannot get into more detail but I bring this up to embrace our precious brothers and sisters whose trauma have gone unnoticed. Christmas is for you too. Christ was born for you too.

When I pick up my grand kids from school, I share some of the Biblical stories and nuggets of grandfatherly wisdom. I often wonder what they need to understand at their age because I had so many questions growing up but was always too shy to ask. The adults always assumed that I already knew.

This Christmas all my grand kids will be here. Will we create happy Christmas memories? That’s the plan I guess. And, by the grace of God, love and joy will fill their impressionable hearts.

As my Christmas present to you, my faithful readers, here’s my version of Stephen Sondheim’s song from the Broadway play “Into the Woods.” Let’s be careful of what we say and do. In many ways our actions will shape who our children will be.

Have a blessed Christmas, friend. May the love God (demonstrated by giving us His son) be passed on to our children. I’m dreaming of a warm Christmas with my whole family around me and my loving wife. How about you?

TGIF people!

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“At Christmas, all roads lead home.” — Majorie Holmes

“Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” — John F Kennedy

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:4

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Teresa of Hawaii

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Don of Tennessee

Thanks to Sue of Washington State

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Norm of Sherman Oaks, CA

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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