It is very common this time of year for families, churches, shopping malls, (and even some businesses) to decorate in ways that lift up the Christmas season.  The light displays throughout the Tulsa and surrounding area spectacular.  Christmas trees and manger scenes can be easily found.  (Pictured above is a display that was set up by the Passages Sunday School class of the 1st UMC of Sapulpa).  But the value of these displays does not come from a simple casual glance; rather the value is found in a pause coupled with reflection...

Every year, at this time, the beloved Dr Seuss classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, can be found on one of our local or cable stations.  It is a humorous story and one which provides a wonderful lesson for children young and old.  But the fact is, there are real "grinches" who steal Christmas from many, each and every year.  Some of theses grinches have been around since the birth of Christ.

I recently learned that our local Presbyterian Church (1st Presbyterian of Sapulpa) was offering a Blue Christmas service for families during Advent.  Some may ask, "Why would they do that?  Isn't Christmas a season for celebration and joy?  Who would attend a "blue" Christmas service?"  Well the fact is many will (or should) attend.