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.