Happy Today

Several neighbors on our street have had their Christmas lights up for a couple of weeks now. When we visited our son this week in Tennessee to see our new granddaughter, they already had their Christmas tree up as well. I also noticed the other day that Magic 96.5 has already started playing their non-stop Christmas music. And, of course the local stores have had their Christmas displays out for a while already. I guess it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and we haven't even reached the mid-point of November yet! 

It does seem that Christmas season comes earlier every year. Even Thanksgiving is viewed by many as little more than an opportunity for more Christmas sales. Though even that seems to be rushed these days. I have seen several sales advertised for "Black Friday" starting as soon as this week. So even Black Friday has been moved up a couple of weeks!

There's nothing wrong with folks getting ready for Christmas a little early. It is certainly a joyous time worthy of celebration. But as far as I'm concerned, November is still Thanksgiving month. I can only handle one holiday at a time.

But then I found out that I don't have to wait until the fourth Thursday in November to celebrate. There's more to November than I ever knew! Did you know that this month has also been officially designated as both Peanut Butter Lover's Month and International Drum Month? (Try celebrating both of those at the same time!)

It's a little late to celebrate now, but Nov. 3 was Sandwich Day, the birthday of John Montague, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, creator of the world's first fast food. (Wonder if he ever used peanut butter?) Maybe we can begin now planning for next year's observance.

Or perhaps we could just focus our attention on tomorrow's big celebration. What's so special about Saturday, Nov. 15, you ask? It's National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day, of course. I bet you've been waiting all year for this special day.

The truth is that for those of us who have been redeemed by a gracious God, every day is worthy of celebration. Why don't you take a little time today to celebrate the wonderful gift God gave us in Jesus Christ. You don't have to wait for Christmas to celebrate Jesus, and you don't have to wait till Thanksgiving to be thankful.

So, happy today to all, and to all a good night. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

--Pastor Ken