Bah Humbug!

I was chatting with 2 friends this morning and I found out that they were modern-day Scrooges. They didn’t like the stress, the surprises, and especially the obligation to give gifts. I was disappointed that they didn’t see any joy in this festive season.  But as the conversation unfolded the source of their bitterness was deep pain — a loss of a mother, a loss of a father, etc. How could I blame them? They could only see the fake commercial side of Christmas. I was reminded not to judge the Scrooges in my life but offer sweet patience and understanding because my friends shared the original tale of young Ebenezer Scrooge whose bitterness grew from a broken heart,

We live in a fallen world infested with fallen creatures. Since childhood, most of us are taught about truth, justice and love so bitterness understandably kicks in when our high expectations are dashed when “life” happens. Our traumas can easily transform us into little Scrooges.

The other night I was reading the scriptural verses in the book of Matthew pertaining to the birth of Christ. Three gifts were given to the Christ child by the wise men from the East: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.  Some scholars guess they came from the area in Iraq maybe even as far as China. Tradition has it that one of them was dark skinned. The statues and religious paintings depict him with African dark-skinned features but Africa is South not East of them. So I’m guessing he was more probably Indian because India also had a strong astrological science at that time. And it wasn’t three Kings but a three men of science who probably traveled with a whole entourage. And they arrived in Bethlehem where the child was born long after the actual birth. They followed a star. It could have been Halley’s comet but whatever it was it stopped right on top of the location of the child. And it wasn’t on the birth day they arrived but no more than two years after because the jealous King Herod ordered babies killed two years and below (read all of this in the book of Mathew).

There was a symbolism behind the three prominent gifts. Gold to acknowledge that he was to be king; Frankincense to acknowledge that he was God and fit to be worshiped; And then we have this strange fragrance used in funerals called Myrrh. I can just imagine Mary, the young mother, looking at the strange gifts: “You sure you got the right address? Thanks for the gold and the frankincense but this myrrh stuff … isn’t that for burying?” I’d like to think these majestic visitors came to visit Mary and Joseph at a low point in their early marriage to remind and encourage the young couple that they were living a prophecy. Apparently, even at his young age, Jesus’ mission to suffer on the cross was already predetermined. Jesus was to die for all of us including the Scrooges among us. If you think about it, Jesus was the ultimate bitter-sweet Christmas present. His birth was a fulfillment of a promise given since Adam and Eve … a gift of love from a father to his children … an unselfish gift to impact the whole human race.

This Christmas what’s at the top of your wish list? A tech gadget? A dress? A new car? How about a gold ring? How about accolades for being the king of your industry? How about a funeral package?

I wish the Scrooges among us could understand the magnitude of this gift packaged in a young child because this is a gift of grace that erases all bitterness. Only then will one experience the true joy of Christmas.

But this is just me.

TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Don’s Puns

Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Funny Video

Photo Bomber

Sent by Jackie of Whittier, CA

Parting Shot

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA who shared this:

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA who shared this:

The post Do You Have Salt? appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Hello 2019

In a few days we will herald in the new year. As usual, the months just came and passed by so quickly.

I’ve made some major changes in my lifestyle as far as work, health, perspective in life. I’m sure you have too. No, I’m not gonna list them down and bore you with the details. Besides, my son is visiting from the Big Apple and my time is focused on him. In fact, I almost forgot that today was the day I had to prepare my Friday email. So this greeting will be short.

I received so many good Christmas jokes after the 25th so I just have to extend Christmas a little bit with some final Christmas jokes. I hope you’re still in the mood for it.

TGIF and Happy New Year!

“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” — Brad Paisley

Joke of the Week

Our Friday joke of the week comes from: Tom of Pasadena, CA

Video of the Week

Parking in the Snow
Sent by Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

I couldn’t find the exact video that Naomi sent but the joke’s the same.

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

There are several things people (even Christians) take for granted. Some of our traditions have faulty historical narratives. Read your Bible and weed out the “fake news.”

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared these

Hey, do me a favor. Get your copy of the brand new Traveling Boy Joke Book. It’s pocket size and is perfect for a stocking stuffer. It’s about $10 only, unique and … ideal for your office mate or business friend.

The post Dying with Dignity appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The Gift

Time stood stilI at the top tier of the church risers last Saturday. Maybe it was the light glistening on the musical instruments. Or maybe it was the exuberance of the conductor. Whatever it was, I realized all this buzz was in preparation of the birth of one individual. For the uninformed, it must be a strange sight to watch grown ups behaving like kids waiting for their Christmas presents. This day of Jesus’ birth was planned way ahead in eternity past. Philosophers kinda knew it was coming but only God knew the details of His master plan. Who woulda thunk the backdrop of this central moment in global history would be a decrepit manger (translation: a stinky, shanty unfit for humans)? In a rare display of outright joy, God shared His excitement to the angels who burst into angelic music never before heard by human ears. The angels passed it on to lowly shepherds who went and visited the newborn babe. Mary and Joseph were prophesied that their child would be King. They must have seriously doubted the predictions when they looked at their pitiful surroundings. The visit of the shepherds and their story about the angelic orchestra must have given them the encouragement they needed.

I remember my excitement when my kids were born. I wanted to give my kids the best medical attention, the best everything … in contrast our all powerful God chose to give us the gift of His son wrapped in humble rags. No cigars, no champagne, no victory parade … just curious shepherd visitors.

(Isidro is a jobless drifter who had to hitch for his rides. For weeks I had been looking for an affordable bike to surprise him. The day before our practice, I bought Isidro a brand new bicycle. I was beaming with pride and excitement because Isidro had no clue what I had saved for him at the back of my car. Imagine my heartbreak when he said he didn’t want it.  He said it was too small, too impractical … I was crushed. Isidro’s pride prevented my joy.)

When the child Jesus grew up, few realized HE was God’s gift. They treated Him with disdain. They mocked Him … they killed Him. They rejected God’s gift. Mine was just a bicycle. God’s was His most precious and only begotten son. Think about that for a while.

Time stood still in the choir because I realized that Christmas joy comes from an exchange. It’s in the giving and the receiving. Without that completed transaction, there is no joy. And when we remember the reason for the season and accept THE GIFT, there is joy overflowing. Love and joy come to you — and to you God’s blessings too.

Merry Christmas!

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given”   — Isaiah 9:6

TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Christmas Parking

Shared by Tom of Pasadena, CA

Videos of the Week

Jeanne Robertson: Left Brain Christmas Gifts
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Shopping cheap and shopping practical.

Jingle Bells in Bowls
Sent by Charlie of New Jersey

This Asian uses bowls like a xylophone. He’s a pretty happy camper.

WATCH VIDEO

The Chinese Recorded Jesus’ Birth, Death and Resurrection
Sent Art of Sierra Madre, CA

WARNING: RELIGIOUS/POLITICAL video: Skip if this bothers you

The film quality is poor but this is a compelling historical evidence attesting to the validity of the life of Jesus. These are not religious but historical documents. There really was this man who performed all of these amazing miracles.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

Parting Shot

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA who shared this photo

Hey, do me a favor. Get your copy of the brand new Traveling Boy Joke Book. It’s pocket size and is perfect for a stocking stuffer. It’s about $10 only, unique and … ideal for your office mate or business friend.

The post Christmas Parking appeared first on Traveling Archive.