Dear Trinitarians,

It is called "entering the holiday season." That is the three month period when we are defined as consumers with purchasing power.

It begins with candy, black and orange decorations, costumes of every kind, then food, food, and more food for Thanksgiving with a few decorations that indicate the bounty from the earth; Then red and white, snow and winter themes. We go into debt because we are given permission by the banks and stores to do so... it is an expectation.

Now, what has been placed under the surface (or worse, given lip service) is the theme of family and love, thankfulness and joy... and God, the creator of Heaven and earth. These things get lost in the rush to have the perfect themed event, to make everyone amazed at what we do or give, or to outdo last year... We have turned what once was called "Holy Days" into non-religious holidays... fun and food rather than Grace and activities to the Glory of God.

As we continue this season may we do our best to make God the center of each activity... May we give Christ the chair at the head of the table. May our gifts glorify God and benefit the faith of others and the Kingdom of God.

May prayer be first - before food, presents, football, and parties. May Christ be honored in our home and in our celebrations. May our lives reflect the holiness of our faith, and the joy of Christ's presence.

May we be Christian first and consumers somewhere after that.

May we give thanks to God and give our best to Christ. May we live this holiday season and a season of Holy Days.

Peace, Father Gerry+